Friday, February 8, 2008

My IUD Story

I had the Mirena IUD inserted in December of 2006 at a Planned Parenthood. I had not planned on getting anything as drastic as an IUD, since I had used the Pill on and off since I was 17 and was perfectly comfortable with it. However, the doctor there insisted that my blood pressure was too high for me to be on the Pill, Patch, Ring, or anything which contained hormones. One of my main concerns was that I would gain weight, since the Pill had always made me gain 10-15 pounds. The doctor assured me that since the Mirena didn't have the "bad" hormones, then I wouldn't gain weight. After discussing it with my husband (fiance at the time), I decided to go ahead and get the Mirena IUD.

I was fairly happy with the IUD at first. The insertion part of it wasn't exactly fun, but I didn't have any cramping or bleeding after. I was actually up and about my normal life within a couple of days. I enjoyed the freedom that the IUD gave my husband and I, and was satisfied with my investment thus far. My period even stopped coming, which I thought was great.

However, after a couple of months, I noticed that I had gained weight. I attributed this to the fact that I wasn't exercising. Since I didn't want to be fat for my wedding, my husband and I decided to take walks after work. We started walking a mile or more every day, and also started eating better. I cut red meat out of my diet, tried to limit salt and sweets, and ate vegetarian as much as I could. In the past, I would have easily dropped weight just doing these. However, instead, I gained more weight. My stomach appeared swollen, and my breasts were getting bigger, as if I were pregnant. I was understandably freaked out and bought a pregnancy test, which came out negative.

As my wedding approached I started dress shopping. What should have been a fun time reduced me to tears, since the size I normally wore didn't fit, and I had to go 2 sizes up. Even so, I looked pregnant in my dress. I decided to get more serious about my fitness. I walked/ran more, I completely cut out salt and desserts, and basically ate only vegetables, fruit, and grilled meat. My weight and breast size continued to climb. This is when I began to suspect that the Mirena was the reason I was gaining weight.

After my wedding, I decided to see an OBGYN, and see if she could shed some light. In short, not only was my blood pressure astronomically higher than pre-IUD, I had gained almost 40 pounds. I discussed my experience, and told the doctor that not only had I gained weight, I had also lost my libido. I was rewarded by being told that there was no way that the IUD had made me gain weight. She decided to test my thyroid to see if it was the cause of the weight gain. The test came back as normal, but she decided that the was a "false normal", and that she was going to put me on thyroid medicine anyway. This sounded incredibly stupid, and I felt angry and depressed. I felt like it was my fault, that I wasn't trying hard enough to lose weight. I cried because I felt so ugly and fat. My instinct told me that the Mirena was causing my weight gain, but I wanted to trust the doctor.

The thyroid medicine, as predicted, didn't help me, so I stopped taking it. My husband and I finally joined a gym in November, and I resolved to work much harder at my fitness. I began lifting weights, running, and riding the stability bike for at least 8-11 miles 3-4 times a week. I tried to stay positive and remember that weight loss wouldn't happen right away.

In my case, it hasn't happened at all. As of February, and all my hard work at the gym, I have GAINED 10 pounds. I took yet another pregnancy test (the 3rd or 4th one in a year), which was negative. I unloaded on my general practicioner, and told her every detail of my experience. I was finally told "I believe you. I believe it's the IUD." After a heart to heart with her, and some soul searching, I am having the Mirena removed on Monday.

This has been a hard year and some change. I have had to witness my strong, althletic body go to hell, and have been helpless to stop or reverse the changes. I have stretch marks like a pregnant woman. My breasts are freakishly huge, and my stomach is swollen and hard. I am so ashamed of my body now, I don't want my husband to see me naked, and I have never felt that way before. My once overly healthy libido has been squelched, and it takes me much longer to get aroused. I am depressed, and cry easily, which is unlike me. I have noticed myself lashing out at my husband over stupid matters, and he is a kind, wonderful person who does nothing but make me happy.

I have read story after story like this on the internet, and I only pray that I can return to normal in a timely manner.

438 comments:

Wow! I am having the same problem. My weight has ballooned with Mirena and I look pregnant. I've never gained weight around my stomach before. I took a pregnancy test yesterday because of the way that I look, and a missed period. I'm having those balance problems that you see pregnant women with when the get up, or lay down because of the weight gain. I also have been considering having it taken out because of the weight gain, and loss of interest in sex.

I got the Mirena because I felt it would be a good idea to use a birth control whereas I would not have to worry about getting pregnant since I wanted to continue pursuing my career. I am also 26. My OB stated that this was the birth control that reigns supreme over the rest. The OB stated that it was hardly any side effects and I should try it and I did. This is when ALL HELL BROKE LOSE. I had side effects immediately but did not link it to Mirena at first. Those side effects were acne(never even had it high school), acne underneath my neck, breast got bigger(from a G to a H)---thanks Mirena. I spotted for the first month and went through 15 underwear like it was no other. Did i forget to mention the worst side effects--15 pounds of weight gain within two months(I even got on an all vegetable & fruit diet) ANNNNNND my vagina had an odor (I always prayed that noone would sit by me). I felt my vagina was on fire and noone could extinguish the flames. Strangely, I always took pregnancy tests because Mirena made you and your body think that it was pregnant.Yep, so exactly 2 months later, I made an appointment to take the hell out of me. It has been 2 days and I dont have the pregnant feel like I once did. I still posess all the rest of the side effects . The Mirena needs to be retested because it shows false information about the side effects.

I finally just got the mirena iud removed out of my body a couple hours ago this morning and I feel a uge feeling of relief and freedom! My experience with Mirena sounds very similar to yours. After I had my second baby in my early forties I looked into contraception and the IUD seemed like a good choice for me. I also felt reassured that women all over Europe were already using it. I had it put in 3 years ago and looking back the only advantage was that I didn't have to worry about getting pregnant again and I liked the idea of having no more periods. Today I am looking forward to my body's natural rhythm to return. Stopping the menstrual cycle is so unnatural and can only create havoc in a woman's body, it is a natural and beneficial function. During pregnancy I tipped the scale at 215 lbs (my regular weight around 140) and only went down to 190lbs after my two babies. With the IUd trying to lose weight has been sheer hell, no matter what I tried the scale didn't budge and I have been 190lbs since. Symptoms I had which I hope will go away soon are: bloating, swelling, sore heavy breasts, big fat stomach area and basically have been feeling pregnant for the last 3 years, anxiety, depression, headaches and lately was starting to get forgetful (memory blanks)and very low sex drive. For a year I hesitated to have it removed but after careful deliberation and all the reading and soul searching I think I made the best decision. I am looking forward to a natural body and mind without the effect of that horrible hormone which is also the hormone used in the next day pill that is readily prescribed. Any synthetic hormone will create major changes in the body and the reactions and side effects will vary from person to person. Living with Mirena has been very challenging, frustrating, unhappy, and I can't wait to find my hormone free self again with good food, exercise and healthy living!In terms of contraception I know now that I do not tolerate synthetic hormones and will look into other alternatives. My priority now is to take good care of myself and to detoxify my mind and body and regain myself and joie de vivre! Thank you for the inspiration! Thank you to my husband for sticking by my side and supporting decisions that make me happy and for loving me no matter what!

I've had the Mirena for almost two years and am considering having it removed for the very same reasons everyone else stated. For over 4 years I've been in the gym 4-5 days a week with both cardio and strength training. Over the last year I've put on over 10 pounds and I've lost the wonderful muscle tone I worked so hard for. And now, I just learned that I am now hyperthyroid which in reading some other blogs, other women have experienced as well after the Mirena. I can't stand my body, don't EVEN want my husband near me and am trying to decide what to do. I'm 47 and the last thing I want is to become pregnant again but because of blood pressure issues, cannot take anything hormone based. What's a girl to do???

I have had my Mirena for almost 6 months and I am experiencing all the same symptoms as everyone else. I feel pregnant all the time and am gaining weight ridiculously fast. I feel so detached from life which means my two young boys aren't getting what they need from me. The IUD was touted as the 'greatest' thing in birth control by my OB. I don't even feel like me anymore. I haven't had a period in a while and I know it's common with the mirena but I feel like it's building up and building up inside me. I have been on the fence about whether to have it out. My husband and I are not ready to decide if we are done having children but I don't think I can live like this anymore. The more I read the more I am convinced that it's time to get it removed.

I have had Mirena for 4 years. I have had no problems at all and have been very happy with it, it's a great product. I know this is a poo-poo kind of post and I'm not trying play off everyone's issues, as these issues are serious. I just wanted to post as a devil's advocate.

I had the mirena for 2 1/2 years. I put up with many symptoms you have read about, from ladies complaining from the mirena. I had a gained 7lbs and had the classic "mirena pooch" that appears as an early pregnancy.

I had it removed and with in 1 1/2 weeks, the bloated belly left....hmmmm.....for that reason alone, mirena shouldnt be recomended.

I had mirena for almost a year. I had it taken out two days ago. I've gained nearly twenty pounds, even after changing my eating and exercise habits, I have horrible acne, severe depression, I even tried to commit suicide out of the blue. One of the worst things I've gone through is the constint bleeding,and cramping, sometimes it felt like I was in labor. I bled heavy every day for two months!My doctor finally said my body was rejecting it and agreed to take it out. According to them, mirena "agrees" with some women and doesn't with others. I'm looking forward to getting back to normal. I wish my doc had been honest about the side effects, I would have just used the pill.

I had the Mirena inserted less than two months ago and just removed three days ago. Ladies, PLEASE listen to your bodies. I wanted mine removed within 1 week of having it inserted but my male OBGYN told me to wait it out that I had not given it a chance. Well by "giving it a chance" I have gained 9 pounds, had no sex drive, broke out like a teenager, felt like I was pregnant and would bleed or spot everyday! When I made the appointment to have it removed I was told that the side effects that I was experiencing were not common with Mirena. I work out three days a week, eat properly (although I was starving since Mirena)and have always maintained a good weight. I like to stay a size 2 or 4, well I am busting out of my 4's and would prefer to be in workout clothes. Since removal three days ago, I am bleeding like a "normal" period, could this be? Has anyone experienced this? Also, what has been the time frame from removal to getting back to normal. Thank you so much for this website - I thought I was going nuts. It is nice to see that I am not the only one with these side effects.

I have had the Mirena since May of 2008 and I am sitting here bloated, with large tender breasts, acne covered face, head ache bearing, absolutely no memory, gaining weight by the minutes,moody as hell and feeling like I need to make an annoucement and tell my family that I am now 3 months pregnant. Yes that's how I look and how I feel but guess what?? I took a Pregnancy test and I am NOT pregnant. Yes I read all of your comments and I just decided that I will be calling my Doctor tomorrow to have this piece of equipment removed. I am absolutely miserable

I will say I love not having a period but all this is not worth it. Thank you all so much for sharing.

oh my GOD!!! This is so helpful. for the last year I have felt so alone. I am so glad I googled this and found this page. Ive had my IUD since January 2006. Since then Ive gained 25 ponds and my breasts are swollen and uncomfortable, I get the worst headaches and Im so hormonal. I go months with no period then I get one so I never know if Im pregnant so I always by tests that say negative... Its so frustrating. Whenever I would tell my PCP he would say its not the Mirena. I googled hormone issues, swollen breasts weight gain with the Mirena IUD and I found this page with all of you with the same issues as me. Im making my appt ASAP to have it removed. Thank you all for sharing, now I know Im not alone and will reeally stick itto my Dr that Im not crazy

OMG! I have just spent the last hour googling Mirena and now it makes so much sense! Im 28, have had no kids and had the mirena inserted 2 months ago today after keyhole surgery for Endometriosis. My doc said that it would help prevent cysts coming back and that it had NO side effects....even though I stressed that any type of pill makes me like a bull in a china shop! Well...I have gone from 65kgs to 76kgs in 8 weeks all the time exercising 5 days a week and eating relatively healthy. I have ALWAYS been right into fitness and put the weight around my tummy (which I have never had before) down to nearing 30! I started to wonder if it was the IUD when I was becoming moody and unbearable to be around....I lie there at night feeling so depressed which is really unlike me! Thanks so much for this post...it has helped heaps. I'm from little old New Zealand where know one really knows anything. I'm booked in to get this thing out and hopefully get back to normal next week. YAY!! Good luck to everyone else out there, don't put it off a second more!

Can someone share their early experience with regards to unregular periods... I was told it would take abut 3 months to get into a regualar cycle. however. I have had it in for about 3 weeks, began spotting 9 days ago and a regular flow began 7 days ago.... it not too heavy, like the middle days of my period... not real cramps or other side effects.. i am concern about the long it is lasting... way over my normal time... Dr says because its not too heavy, no clogs or pain to wait it out... sounds familar????Any one else have this experience?

Thank you! 42 yrs old, had mirena since 2005 and gained 40 pounds went from 135 to 175, Yes i run, pilates, and spin and nothing helps the mirena pooch! oh and Ive aged,yes, look 55yrs old, big/"menepausal face" and was asked if I was pregnant last week in front of my son's classsmates. Am scheduled to have removed next week.. can't wait.I'm done! by the way, does it hurt to have removed?

29yrs old. Mirena placed 4/08 after giving birth to my first baby. Spotting approx 28days per month, every month since then (9months and counting). No bad cramps, no real weight gain on the scale, but do note the extra belly (thought it was just from having the baby). OB/GYN put me on Estrogen pills without effect. URGHH.

I had a very similar experience. Had mine inserted in July 2006. At first it was great. No periods, no daily pill. Then I gained 30 lbs, had horrible acne, no libido, and my cup size went from a D to a G. I finally asked to have it taken out and my ob/gyn completely dismissed that it had anything to do with the Mirena.

It's been out over a year, the acne is gone but the weight, low sex drive and porno star boobs are still here. Hoping my body can eventually reverse the effects.

Thank the Lord for all you ladies!! I have had the mirena for two yrs this month, within the past 6 months I have started having pregnancy symtoms and thought I was going crazy, I took a home pregnancy test on Friday and it was positive so we rushed to the hospital to have an ultrasound a blood test which both came back negative but I am still having all the symptoms...needless to say I am having the mirena removed this upcoming Wednesday and I can't wait, I hope all my symptoms will disappear!

I just had my IUD removed this morning after reading many posts with similar problems as mine. I had my IUD in for about 5 months now. This month and the previous month, I had been experiencing extreme chest pains (directly in the middle of the my chest) with increased pain with breathing. From this pain, I had panic attacks (which I had never had in my life previously). No problems with my heart at all. Had to go by ambulance to ER and during the 5 hours, the pain went away... They only checked my heart, even though I never thought it was my heart, since it was in the middle of my chest... Movement increased pain, as well. I would feel rushes of warmth and heavy vomiting. After my 2nd episode, I began to realize that my previous episode was also during my menstrual period, which led me to believe that it may have something to do with the IUD. Since both my last two cycles were extremely light flows (barely anything really)... My hair was also falling out a lot after having the IUD.

I did my research right after I got Mirena inserted, so I knew what kinds of side-effects I needed to look out for. Sometimes when people do this, they alluvasudden experience all the symptoms and it could be written off as It's All In Your Head placebo stuff. BUT, you can't "fake" quick weight gain, crazy bleeding, unnecessary arguing, and acne. That can't be controlled by the mind. Mirena does it.

I lasted all of one month before ditching this thing. Slight weight gain at first, ehhh ok. A few new blemishes, uhhh alright. A few more tampon changes, wellll ok. But then the huge weird argument I started escalated with my husband about, get ready for this, HEAVY METAL music? Really? Yep. That was the straw that broke this camel's back. I don't argue about heavy metal or things just as piddily.

What sucks is that I had started taking a low dose of Welbutrin to handle some slight depression after my 3rd baby was born and after my MIL moved in (eek!) and was feeling great. After Mirena, though, I started feeling poopy again and was snapping at people and being a mega B. I thought that the Welbutrin had stopped working with me. Seriously, the next day after I had Mirena taken out (by Dr. ME, in the bathroom. Don't recommend doing it yourself but after 3 kids, I'm not exactly Tighty-Whitey down there. Came right out.) I was back to my perky self. It's day 2 without it and I'm glad I didn't wait months or years. Back to condoms we go until I can talk my hubby into visiting Dr. Chop. :)

Good luck to everyone reading this trying to get some useful feedback. Hopefully all these posts on this and many other sites will help you in your decisions. They did for me!Thank you for this site.

i just had mirena placed a month ago.i now have a ring of fat around my waist which i NEVER had before and i gained 5 pounnds. i am getting rid of it tomorrow... it was $500 to put in :( i wished that i was warned before.

HI All,I have had my Mirena for nearly 3 years now. Have thought I was pregnant many time but actually wasnt. Like the rest of you, I have the "Mirena belly". I put on nearly 10kg over the first year. At the end of last year I managed to quite easily lose the 10kg with WW and have kept it off. (still have the belly tho).

I noticed a few posts mentioning 'mental blanks'. I have been soo vague and was getting worried. People will mention things to me and say we have talked about it before and i have absolute NO memory of it. I never ever linked it to the mirena and I would love to know if anyone else has had the same problem.

I had Mirena put in Dec 07 after my 2nd child. I still have an irregular period. I haven't had one for over 6 weeks now. I've gained a lot of weight that I attributed to depression. I am super hormonal. I want another child really soon and am having it taken out so when I took two tests and one Dr. gave a blood test to test for pregnancy, I was pretty sad that I wasn't but relieved b/c of the complications that would have came with that. I have had more migraines lately and I have been very forgetful and just out of my mind a little.Last week I checked to see if it was still there and just slightly gave a little pull on the strings, which were barely hanging out of my cervix, and immediately was in excrutiating pain. I ended up going to the ER for severe abdominal cramping and bleeding. They gave me percocet and did a pelvic exam and even though I had mentioned I was having it taken out soon anyway, they left it in. I went to the Dr. and told her and she put in a referral for the women's clinic. When I called to make the appt they told me that the next appt wasn't until 4 weeks later! I am still in pain and they want me to wait a month? I go back to the ER the next day b/c of an allergic reaction to the percocet. They give me freaking baby medicine and now I still have this thing in me and no drugs to help ease any pain.I'm afraid that I damaged the endometrium or whatever it's called or perforated the uterus period. I was told that the removal method is just using forceps to pull the strings and pull it out. If they do that and I did damage it, then they will cause a lot of damage. They better not screw this up.If all this ruins or hinders my chances of a successful pregnancy I am going to be extremely pissed.I have an appt to have it removed in two days. Wish me luck.

I have had meirena since nov 2008 after my first child was born. I have read all of your post about the side effects and have not come across any of them before. I Had more problems with depo, gaining 40 pounds in 4 months, then finally stopping it, had my child and gained 20 pounds with her, had that placed and im working out and eating better and loosing the pounds. I have noticed the missing periods, but i love it, thats one thing i liked about the depo, but this iud seems to work better for me, plus i get sick on everything else. Im sorry all of you are having/had a bad time on it, but i love it and again no problems or pain or weight gain

I had mirena after my regular IUD failed. 3 weeks later I am crying all of the time,I want to die although my life is a good one my emotions are all over the place and my hips and butt are wider and yes, my belly is bloating as well. I had to call the samaritans last night to talk about why I want to die - THIS IS SO UNUSUAL FOR ME. The other half thinks I need to go toliet all the time!. This is not so bad, because I was too skinny: but when's it gonna stop? Thank God for this site that I found googling. I read to the bottom of the page and called my doc to get it out. I was on the verge of seeking counselling for depression.

I never linked my abdominal bloating & weight to my IUD! But it makes total sense! I recently had a LEEP and had to get my IUD taken out. When my dr called with the results, I asked her if I could switch to a different birth control, because once the mirena was out... I had a sex drive again! I thought I didn't have any issues with my IUD, but apparently I did. Wish the dr's would disclose this information more!

OMG You just described me lol I have the preggo belly also and I know for a fact I am not preggers. My mom even asked me if I was pregnant I almost burst into tears then. I keep gaining weight while my husband is loosing it. I am almost in tears I thought I was the only one I had mine removed last month and I feel better and have lost 6 pounds I am so happy that I am not the only one and it was my IUD. Thank you for posting this I dont feel like a freak now.

I wish I would have seen this web-site prior to getting the Mirena IUD. I too have had a lot of the symptoms that are described on this site. I have NEVER had a weight problem and have always been extremely weight conscious. Since putting Mirena in 9 months ago I have gradually put on 25lbs. I am getting a spare tire around the waste, and am experiencing a low libido! The doctor was insistent that Mirena would not cause weight gain. She even told me not to come back and blame any weight gain on Mirena. Anyone who is thinking about getting this should know you WILL gain weight!!! I have an appointment to have mine removed. Meanwhile, I will be busy trying to get rid of the weight I have picked up… =(

I am so glad I stumbled on this site. I got my Mirena a year ago, and for the last few months, I've gained so much weight. I've gained about 30 pounds, and am getting visibly bigger every day. My friends and family keep asking if I'm pregnant. Pants that fit me one day don't fit me 2-3 days later. I didn't know this was related to the Mirena, but now that I know, I'm having it removed ASAP. I've posted a link to this site on all of my online profiles, in hopes that others learn what is causing the weight gain. Thank you so much!

I am yet another woman with all the same symptoms from being on the mirena, I got it put in 2 months after having my son and have not been able to lose the baby weight and feel like i keep gaining even with exercise. I crave foods like i did with my pregnancy, my boobs are sometimes tender, my stomach feels bloated, i have nausea and back pain, mood swings can be nuts sometimes. I am so glad I found this blog! I know I am not alone now. Thank you for posting your stories!

I am so glad I found this site. I actually just got off the phone with my doctor. A friend of mine told me to get rid of this thing as it was causing all my issues, which are exactly as all of you have said. The depression and loss of interest in sex being worse than anything else. My doc, of course, said that the IUD was not the cause of my problems and wanted to put me on depression medicine. I told him no. He talked me into keeping this thing for a while longer to see if things got better but after reading these blogs I will be calling the office first thing in the morning to get rid of it. I am however concerned about the bleeding after the fact. I have been told and read that it can be heavy and continue for awhile.

Thanks for all the posts... I think I may have just regained some sanity! :)

I recently posted about having the same symptoms as the other women who have posted here. I have a doctor's appt. today to talk about the mirena and get it removed, which I was planning on getting it removed anyway because we want to get pregnant in August. But thanks again ladies for sharing your stories!!

I have had my iud for almost two years. I have had no problems with it. I love not having my period, I love the freedom it gives me and my husband. I have not gained any weight, but I can not loose the weight that I want to either. Within the last two months I have had a dull pain in my lower abdomen, pain in my vaginia, odd cravings,really odd, nausea, vomitting, and I am tired all of the time. Since I have had my iud placed I have taken a pregancy test every two months just to be sure that I am not pregnant, and up until the last two months I have not felt pregnant. In the last two months I have purchased 4 pregnancy test all wich have come back negative. Is it possible for this to actually be a positive???

I am so glad I read your blog. My sister in law was telling me about the blogs she has been reading and her problems and as soon as I started reading them they all make since. I had my second child my Dr. suggested it and I had asked her if there is any weight gain because I am a bigger woman anyway and she told me no and that there should be no side effects really. so I was thinking that is great. Now I have put on all of my baby weight again, no sex drive it takes longer to arouse and the swollen stomach is miserable. My breast are also getting larger. I am making an appt. to have it removed asap. and i think they need to do alittle more research on this product.

SO I finally went and had the Mirena removed about 2 months ago. For over a year I have been battling post partum depression (bordering on psychosis), have had horrible panic attacks and terrible visions of things happening to my children. Since I've had the Mirena removed, I haven't had a single vision or panic attack. Now I am battling mild depression, instead of severe. I haven't lost any weight yet, but I am no longer gaining. I have more energy. I feel amazing, just because I got this IUD removed. So glad I did it!

i have had my mirena for about 9 months, at first i really liked the fact of not haning a bad period or sometimes not one at all. but i have horrible cramps my bf feel the string and i always have pregnant symptoms. i have always been very slim and i have recently gained 10 pounds. i want to get it out but dont know what else to try, i do not recomend the mirena to anyone

Thank you all for your posts. I am 26 and am on my second Mirena, I had my first put in at 21 (due to endometriosis)and again last year before moving overseas for work. I had no symptoms on the first one that I had and yet the second has almost turned my life upside down. I put my weight gain acne and severe hair loss to the "stress" of moving overseas, starting a new job, finding new friends etc... the thing is I have been abroad for over a year and am really happy .. and yet each time I see a doctor they tell me its stress, I have had numerous blood tests, hormone tests, have spent thousands of dollars on anything that promised to stop my once too thick hair becoming so thin that I cannot even part it in the middle as my hair is as thin as a toddlers! I am pretty angry. Other than the hair loss the worst has been the fact that my already large breasts are HUGE and they occasionally become so sore that I cannot even lie on my side... I was an E cup and now am a G.. I only weigh 65kg and am not very tall:( I started exercising 5 times a week and after 3 months had not lost anything. I am seeing a doctor tomorrow, on one hand i do want to manage my endometriosis but on the other I just want to look normal get off all the acne medication, and buy a bra that a 26 year old should be wearing! I just hope that my hair comes back and my boobs go away.

This sounds so much like me...I decided to use the Mirena because I consived my son on the pill and my daughter on the neuva ring..So I figured that this has got to work. I have had it in for 6 months..The first one fell out within a few months of me having it so the doctor put a new one in..said that my cervix hadnt full closed from me having my daughter.. But I have since had a lot of spotting mostly brown, very lite pink. i am soo tired all the time, i have gained 10lbs in freaking 3weeks. and i walk 2 miles 5 days a week. i have this awefull bloted feeling all the time..my nose has gotton so freaking senceitive that last night making my hubby tuna for his lunch today i started barfing. i have heart burn, and sex is so not appealing latly. i took a PG test on tuesday and it came back neg. but i keep having this wierd dream that i am at work one night and go in to labor and deliver a full term baby and had no idea that i was even freaking pregnant. im not sure what to do.. the idea of having another child at this point is not possible. im not sure what im gonna due, thus far its the only freaking birth control that has worked for me, but being my luck i will be calling my hubby when hes out in the field one day saying your gonna be a daddy again

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I HAVE HAD THE MIRENA FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS AND HAVE LOST ALL SEX DRIVE - WHICH I NEVER HAD ISSUE WITH. I AM COMPLETELY MOODY AND COULD AND DO SNAP AT MY FAMILY IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE.

I HAD MY THIRD CHILD 23 MONTHS AGO. I DID NOT BREAST FEED BUT RECENTLY HAD TO SEE MY OB/GYN FOR AN INFECTED MILK DUCT/LACTATING. IT TURNS OUT THAT I AM STILL LACTATING, FOR WHAT EVER REASON!

WHILE IN THE OFFICE I MENTIONED THAT I WAS HAVING SOME MILD PAIN ON THE RIGHT FRONT/BACK RIGHT HIP THAT WAS CAUSING DISCOMFORT. I LOVE MY DOCTOR! SHE ORDERED AN ULTRASOUND AND BLOODWORK TO RULE OUT CANCER AND JUST CHECK TO BE SURE.

IT WAS DETERMINED THAT I DID HAVE A CYST ON THE RIGHT OVERY THAT HAD RUPTURED. I WENT IN TODAY FOR A FOLLOW-UP ULTRA-SOUND TO MAKE SURE ALL HAD DESOLVED - WHICH IT HAD. HOWEVER! I NOW HAVE A CYST ON MY LEFT OVERY AND HAVE A MYSTERIOUS FLUID PATCH - THANK GOODNESS WITH NO HEART BEAT - BUT I ATTRIBUTE MY MOOD SWINGS, BIG BELLY AND ALL THE FUNCK TO THE IUD. I MUST SAY - I DO LIKE THE BIGGER BREASTS! I TOOK A TEST AND IT WAS NEGATIVE AND NO HEART BEAT. I HAVE HAD 3 BABIES IN 4 YEARS AND THE IUD MAKES ME FEEL WORSE THAN I DID PREGNANT. I PLAN ON HAVING IT REMOVED IF I DO NOT DO SO MYSELF TONIGHT IN THE SHOWER! i HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM MY OB/GYN TODAY BUT TRUST SHE WILL ACCOMIDATE MY REQUESTS. I AM CONVIENCED THIS IS NOT THE BIRTH CONTROL FOR ME.

i DOUBT SEEING THIS BLOG BEFORHAND WOULD HAVE STOPPED ME FROM GETTING IT, BUT IT CONFIRMS MY GUT FEELINGS. I JUST HATE THAT IT IS OVER BEFORE IT IS EVEN PAID FOR! I SERIOUSLY DOUBT THAT I AM PREGNANT AND DO BELIEVE IT IS 99% EFFECTIVE BUT IT SHOULD ALSO CLAIM TO BE 99% AFFECTIVE TOO

I have had the mirena IUD for about a year and like everyone else have had extreme side effects! I thought I was gaining weight because I was lazy, even though I knew better. At first it was great, but the longer I have it the worse it is. I have no sex drive and my poor husband has put up with it for almost a year. I'm going to be calling my DR. and having it removed asap. Not too mention I have a horrible body image and I have gained about 15 pounds in a year. I also have developed a pouch on my lower belly. I can't wait for these things to be gone!

I had the IUD inserted in April of 2009 and have had weight gain, loss of libido, and the worst PMS. After visiting my gyno to have it removed, she couldn't find the strings. I had a sonogram yesterda and they found it attached to my uterine wall. I am looking at surgery in my near future to have it removed. All of this for birth control! I'm so frustrated and angry at the worry and the unnecessary cost this horrible device has caused in my life.

I have been wondering why after being extremely thin all my life,(42y/o) and after having my Merina for almost 2 years why I have gained 30-32 pounds, my breast size has increased so much I can't keep up with the growth, and my belly looks like a spare tire. I was completely disgusted with myself, having gained weight on a diet (the first one of my life ever!), but now I feel like it's not just me it is the Merina IUD. Thank you for all the blogs.

I had my Mirena removed yesterday and after my DR. looked at my charts and noticed I had steadily gained 20 lbs in a year.....which is about what you should gain if you were pregnant, she was speachless. I am very hopeful that my weight will come off, but I am disgusted that all of the literature that is available in DR offices says nothing about weight gain! I is obvious that many do, and I feel that had I known more about this in the beginning I never would have had Mirena inserted.

I am soooo sad to be reading about all the hell you ladies are going through, because Iknow how it feels! I had the Mirena for 4 years now, and my husband will be going on deployment in two months so I went to my doctor to get it removed, only now she can't find it! Thats only half the story. I couldnt sleep, lack of libido, foggy thinking, weight GAIN even though I am dieting and exercising like mad, so my doctor diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia sounds suspiciously like the side effects of Mirena, and I have 100% faith that when my doctor finds this thing, takes it out, I will feel like my old self again! Thank you for sharing your story!

hi ladiesThis is just so amazing to read - I'm here In new Zealand - not sure where you're writing from. However I have had a merina twice now - first time was brilliant - 3 yrs of no periods and just fab easy protection - but this time - and I'm now 38yrs - it's a nightmare - right from insertion. bad side effects - I'm wondering about anyone else who had lost the strings - as that is the latest for me... so have to go to the gyne... one lady mentioned this and I'm wondering how they removed it? anyway my side effects I believe are everything you have all mentioned - mainly back and abdom pain, depression worse than I already had, hair in strange places - did anyone have that??? Plus even things like sore ears and throat daily - My GP said that is all possible and that i should get it out --- so luckily she listened. anyway good luck to you all - email me if you're keen Kerrydave@clear.net.nzcheers Kerry

I have been posting here for about two weeks. I got the Mirena removed last Tuesday and I have already lost 7 lbs! I hope it keeps up and I can get the other 18 off that I have gained since I had it put in a year ago!

Similar to many posts here ... THANK YOU ALL FOR SHARING! Like many of you ladies, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me, but I'm starting to understand that it's a problem with the hardware ...

I had Mirena inserted in January of this year. Since then, I've gained weight, feel pregnant often (sore/tender breasts, bloating), had terrible body aches, and have experienced INCREDIBLE mood swings and depression--to the point where I've started seeing a therapist because I was so confused and sad. I've also had a false positive pregnancy test result.

I switched from pills to Mirena because I didn't want all the hormones circulating through my system and because I wanted to make a responsible choice to prevent unwanted pregnancy. But this just is not worth it!!

Again, thank you all for sharing your stories. It's good to know that I'm not alone in dealing with this. Reading what you all have written here is helping me to realize that I need to have this thing removed PRONTO so that I can get back to my self ...

I found this site last night while I was researching my symptoms after having Mirena inserted. I had Mirena inserted on Thursday September 24, 2009. The entire day after having it inserted I had severe abdominal pain. The next morning I woke up and the pain was still severe and I also had developed lower back pain and numbness in my arms and hands as well. This morning I woke up and the pain was worse. I called the on-call doctor at my Gyn office and was told that my symptoms had nothing to do with the Mirena IUD. But I insisted to him that I have had nothing but pain since having it inserted. He advised me to go to the ER and have an ultrasound to make sure it was in place. Well I spent 4 1/2 hours at the ER today and they did blood work and an ultrasound. All of my tests came back normal. They told me that I may have "early edometritis" and sent me home with Vicodin and an antibiotic. I plan on calling my Gyn on Monday and having the IUD removed. I have never experienced pain like this before in my life! Not to mention that having the IUD inserted felt like torture. They definitely do not prepare you for the intense pain of having it inserted. I have heard that many people do not have issues with this IUD, but after reading hundreds of horror stories I also think that many people have adverse reactions to it. I think there should be more warnings for this IUD and that Doctors be more informed of the "other" side effects many of us have experienced.I am 29 years old and had decided on the Mirena because I cannot take birth control pills because I get heart palpatations and very sick. My husband and I do not want children but with us still being young I did not want to do something that may not be reversable incase we ever changed our minds. My Gyn suggested Mirena and talked about how great it was. I specifically asked if it causes weight gain and she told me it did not. I also do not remember reading all of these side effects in the pamphlet I was given. I am really upset at myself for not doing more research prior to having this inserted. This has been a very bad experience and I would never reccomend it to ANYONE.

I had my Mirena inserted April of 2008. I have not had any of the side affects others have listed. I did have a lot of spotting the first 6 months but eventually that went away and my periods were regular and I was quite happy. But just last month I didn't feel right. I was tired all the time, my breasts were swollen and I missed my period. You guessed it, I took a pregnancy test and it was positive! My doctor immediately ordered an ultrasound to rule out ectopic pregnancy but no embryonic sac was found, in the tubes or the uterus. I've had to follow up with the doctor every week, my hormones are falling but still coming up positive on a pregnancy test. There is no way of knowing whether the pregnancy was ever in my tubes or if the IUD caused a miscarriage but I'm getting it removed as soon as the doctor says it is safe (they don't want to cause any bleeding until they confirm I am not pregnant) and going back to the pill. This has been an emotional and physical roller coaster and I want off!

I am 27, and had the IUD inserted mid-June 2009. I chose it because I've been very sensitive to other hormonal birth control methods including the Nuvaring and didn't want hormones messing with my natural chemistry, so my obgyn recommended the Mirena for the "localized" hormones that wouldn't hit my bloodstream.

This has been a disaster! First of all, having it installed caused the MOST INTENSE pain I've ever felt in my life. I haven't given birth before, but I'm surprised I did not faint from the pain.

I am a triathlete with a very specific diet and have maintained my weight around 120-125 depending on training seasons since 2007. Since having the IUD installed 3 months ago, I have gained about 10lbs mostly in my midsection and lower body, despite making no modifications to my diet or training. In fact, I started hitting the gym even harder to combat the numbers on the scale and they have not budged!

I confronted my obgyn a few weeks ago and she told me point blank it couldn't possibly be the Mirena. I then argued the point that the Mirena literature indicates potential for fatigue, moodiness, and weight gain in 10% of women. She checked the literature and then agreed that "perhaps" I was part of that 10%, but first made me feel ridiculous by quizzing me about whether or not I've been drinking or overeating to cause the weight gain.

I know my body, and this is not it! My libido has been extremely inconsistent and within the last month I've noticed an increase in hair loss in the shower.

The pharmaceutical industry needs to revise their position on the safety and side effects of these IUDs, and the gynecological field needs to LISTEN rather than dismiss the reports of these issues.

OMG! I just had Mirena removed after a little over 1 year and I had instant relief by the next day. Two days following the removal I got a regular period which was non-existant for a year. Before I had Mirena inserted I tripple checked with the doctor and online and was told that there was little to no side effects and that the procedure would not hurt. First the procedure hurt like hell and had I known it would have been that bad I would have had someone go with me because I could barly drive home after it. The side effects where almost instant begining with headaches but I ignored it feeling that maybe it was my body getting use to Mirena, not so! I have gained a tremendous amount of weight especially in my stomach area and I could ot get rid of it at all even after several attempts at running and changing my eating habits. i feel so liberated and I feel mentally and physically almost 100%. I hope that my sex drive will come back since it robbed my of that too. With Mirena I felt like I could go for months and not want to have sex at all. Please do your homework and rethink having Mirena instered. After I talked to my OB about removing it he said that his wife experienced those same symptons. I wish I would have known sooner.

Wow. I am going to the gyno today for a follow up to an abnormal pap. This is the third time for me in about 10 years. I plan to discuss having the Mirena taken out. I have had the Mirena for 3 years and I am about 50 pounds heavier than I was prior to getting it put it. I weigh more now than I did when I was pregnant with my now 3 1/2 year old son. I am moody, have tons of zits (never had one in my life before this), and my back constantly hurts. I won't even mention the nausea that I get during certain times of the month.In addition to my weight gain, my breasts are much bigger than even along with my stomach which always seems bloated. After reading all of these stories, I am convinced it is the Mirena. I always thought it was, but of course wanted to trust my gyno. Oh well, I believe I came upon this page today, the day of my appointment, for a reason.

I have had the mirena for about a year now. I havent had weight gain, I have lost 30lbs since my pregnancy. BUT my face is broken out very badly. NOTHING will help!! I feel as if Im pregant ALL the time. My breast are very tender, and about once a month around the time of my period I get so sick. I feel as if I am in labor all over again. I have very bad back pains during this time. I have thought about having my mirena removed but I dont know what to do. Im 22 with twins and I DO NOT want to get pregnant again for a while. I WILL NOT use the ring EVER again, I got pregnant with my twins on that. I dont know what to!

I have had the Mirena in for 6wks and I HATE it. I've had constant bleeding, cramps, back ache, mood swings, etc. The only think keeping me from having it removed is that it cost me $831.59 b/c our insurance wouldn't pay for it. We have two kids and have no plans for more, but didn't want to do anything perm in case we changed our minds. Does anyone have any info on getting reimbursed?

I'd rather gain the weight!Since I got an IUD it took only one month for me to go from a size 10 to my average size 7,the next month i dropped to a 3 and am currently standing at a 1.I look like a skeliton(I stand at 5'8"),I've never had weight problems till I got the fancy bc.Lots of headaches which in the last month have turned to migraines,dizziness without moving,always tiered.Like I have actually had days were I feel okay and once I sat down I fainted,while my 2yr old and 10 month old were awake!Not the first time,and I was perfectly fine till I got the IUD.Even the persidure was awfull.I had a reaction my doctor never warned me about.My legs,feet and hands instantly swelled up ,I felt like I'd faint,I wanted to barf and did,I imediatly had to go number 1&2,my vagina hurt really bad along with my back,and here's a really strange symptom that I haven't found reported yet,the insides of my ears were very cold.All these symptoms came on at once.I don't know how I even made to my car.By the time I was in the passenger seat I had already begun to bleed through my pants.Sadly,the day after I had a miscrriage.I was about five weeks pregnet guessing by the looks of the baby.It broke my heart.I hid in the bathroom for a few hours balling.I still feel so bad about it.If I'd have known,I'd of NEVER gotten birthcontrol.Finally we got the money up & I'm having it taken out tuesday!I can't wait.I just hope I can go back to normal and gain my weight back.Through it all I decided the term (birth control) sounds awfull to begin with. So ,I'm gonna leave it in my God's hands whether I end up with seven kids or not.I never gonna try to play God again.

I have had Mirena for four years and have gained 50 pounds. I cannot seem to lose weight. I have four sons and after the third I almost had a six pack after only four months but now I just keep gaining(after fourth son had Mirena put in) and it is mostly around my stomach, which I usually never gained weight there before, people ask me if I am pregnant. My stomach is hard and round. I know I am not pregnant, I have taken several tests. The scariest part is when I went for a pap smere after having it for one year the OB could not find it, where the hell is it??? He said it was fine. I am terrified with how I am going to get it out. I leave it in for now because we don't have insurance at the time. It will need to be replaced in January 2010. If anyone has had theres "gone missing" please let me know how your experience went, I am so scared what this is doing to my body. I can't wait for our insurance to kick in so I can finally get rid of this. Good Luck Ladies.

You guys have NO idea how incredibly thankful I am to find this site!!! I was beginning to think I was losing my MIND! I have had the implant for about 20 months. I had it put in after my second daughter. I loved it at first. No periods, cramps, nothing! But in the last 6 months or so (as so many of you have mentioned) I have felt crappy! Weird mood swings, weight gain, skin issues etc. But the worst has been the "3 month pregnant belly" and exhaustion! I am constantly tired! Working full time and having a 22 month old and 4 yr. old, that is not an option. All I want to do is sleep! I was convinced I was preggo a while back but of course was not. However that feeling is back more yhan ever and even feel little twinges that i associate to the first baby kicks i felt when i was pregnant with both of my girls. Crazy i know but how crazy i feel! I think I am calling tomorrow and getting this awful contraption taken out... Especially reading everyone elses horror stories. I am just glad to know I'm not alone!! So thanks for everyones stories!

I had my Mirena taken out in early September. After having it taken out I immediately started to feel back to my old self. I got my sex drive back, which had been nonexistent, started to "deflate" in the belly and was not moody. I'm now prenant just two months later and very happy. When they said you immediately go back to normal body cycle, they aren't lying. I would have like to have lost the 25 pounds I put on with the Mirena before I got pregnant, but I figure it will just keep my baby extra warm :-) I'll just have to work harder to get it off after the baby. Main point is that even in my first trimester I still fee better than I did when I had the Mirena.

holy crap! i literally had mine in last wednesday and scheduled an appt to take it out today! i felt crampy and super bloaaaaaated! i looked 4 months pregnant and its just so embarrassing! i feel like my belly was just popping out. im just glad i got it out or else who knows how big i could have been!

ALL the same for me as well. I've had mine 5 years and it has to come out anyway but the last year has been awful! I just kept blaming myself for gaining weight (even tho I work out like a mad woman and never gained weight in the past. I'm having mine out on Tuesday and definately not getting another one. I'm interested in anyone POST Mirena--what can I expect? Did the negative side effects go away? (Night sweats, weight gain, memory, hair coming out, depression, acne, moody, fatigue, low sex drive, painful sex)-so fun! Frankly I'm pissed that we've been lied to by the doctors and pharm companies that push Mirena as the best thing since sliced bread and then make us feel like we're crazy, hormonal, uncontrollable chocolate eating bitches :-)ha haAny post removal comments/advice I'd love.Cheers!

I had mine out exactly a week ago and I can't tell you how much BETTER I feel and felt immediately! I've noticed mostly my mood has improved drastically and I'm not so exhausted and down. I had mine for over 5 years so that might be why I haven't had a period yet but I feel like yesterday I'll be getting one in the next week.Also, my tummy "pooch" has already gone down-not completely gone, but I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. My jeans are looser today too. I haven't weighed myself because I heaved my scale in the trash a few months ago :-) but will get one for Christmas as I really feel progress will be made again. I just want to lose about 10 lbs. to put be back at my comfortable size 6/4.

Also, the removal was a piece of cake. I was so worried and I loaded up on Advil and said my prayers b/c they hadn't seen the strings for years. Low and behold they were right there and she popped that baby right out--didn't even cramp or spot.

So, I highly recommend getting the Mirena out!! I honestly feel like my old (young) self again and I am sooo thankful.

I,at 24 years of age, have high blood pressure, preeclampsia with my son 3.5 yrs ago, and never went away :( so I can not go on any pill that will affect my blood pressure. Doc assured me IUD is the best way to go... so after months of delibratin.... and my upcoming wedding in June, my fiance and I decided to go for it, knowing out luck we will get pregnant beofre our wedding!Anyway, everyone I know LOVES THIS Mirena!I..... Dont get it! I had it placed in on Dec 22, 2009... not to long ago... about three weeks ago... My jeans are not fitting me!! My poor boobs are so heavy and large... and my nipples are so sensitive it hurts my when son lays down on me to cuddle!!! My lower back is hurting so much on the right side, I called today, going for a sonogram and blood work this week...My cravings are insane!!! I cant stop eating, and peeing!!! I was so exhausted these last two days, I woke up tired! What?!?!?

I feel pregnant!

Everyone tells me to wait it out, but I do not know if i can handle all this pain. Im going to wait for the blood work and sono results.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad to know Im not alone, thank you for your blog. I am noting my symptoms and such... I know my body, and this is not right. I was just starting to adjust to my blood pressure medicine and feeling good before this IUD. :(

i'm going through the exact same thing except i've had the Mirena for over a year now and didn't start having any of the side effects until about a year in. I went to have it removed today and they told me they had to do some tests and crap first. I've taken probably a dozen pregnancy tests in the last few months because i just stopped having my period in October and ever since I FEEL PREGNANT too. I have 2 beautiful girls already and would love to have another one but because of the complications from my last pregnancy the doctor says it's not a good idea. I had blood work done today and have to wait until February for an ultrasound before my doc will even consider taking out the damn thing. I HATE THIS!

BLOATING BLOATING and MORE BLOATING. I have had the MArina in for almost 3 years. The past year has been hell. I have never gained weight. Always been about 128lbs. This Marina has made me SO bloated and the mood swings are crazy....like PMS off and on all the time. Driving me crazy. I got the IUD for the reason that I had alot of heavy menstral bleeding. Almost constantly. The Marina did help at first, but them all these symptoms. Acne too, I havent had that since my teens! So my OBGYN said, it's not working, time to come out! THANK GOD!. In 2 weeks I get this thing out of me! I can't wait. Because the reason for getting the IUD was for heavy bleeding, I am getting an "Endometrial Ablation" done, getting my tubes tied at the same time and the Marina removed.I will come back on and tell you what the results were after removed....if the symptoms went away.It will be great to be back to normal again!

I got Mirena in November of 2008. Unlike everyone I have been reading about, I starting losing weight. I have now lost 10 pounds which is not good considering I only weighed 125 to start with (5' 6"). My husband is absolutely convinced it is the Mirena. I love Mirena. No periods, no other side effects. But, no matter what I do, I can not gain weight. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Please help.

I can relate to the weight gain. I went to my gynologist and she noticed the weight gain and I was working out every day. I was eating healty and it only stagnated my weight. I get so upset when doctors listen but do not hear you. I will now have the iud removed and let my husband deal with protection. I am a women who have had blood clots in the past. I am vwry limited and I do not want to be over weight any longer.

Here's the run down...32 years old5'8''3 Children, Mirena after the third child only, had it for 3 yrs now.50!!! lbs over my normal weight, was 135 now 185.20 lbs heavier than with any time I was pregnant!

-I cannot lose the weight. I'm very sad b/c i feel so fat and lazy.-I've tried diet and exercise, to no avail.-I'm constantly exhausted, tired and have no energy.-I DEFINITELY look pregnant and have been asked if I was for about a year now. Not fun.-My already large breasts are HUGE. From a DD to an I-don't-know-what, F or G, maybe larger! I can't find the proper size b/c I'm petite, a 34! They don't make 34G. Here's the real kicker... my stomach sticks out farther than my huge breasts!!!-A normal size 6 or 8, I'm now a 14-16-I have the acne problems, way worse than the once a month breakouts before Mirena.

Reading all of this makes me cry right now at my computer b/c I can see so clearly Mirena has done this to my body.

On the other hand... I used to have terrible migraines and they have mostly gone away. My libido did not go away. Insertion of Mirena was no problem. I never had the pain at all associated with that. I still have a very light period for about 3 days, and some light spotting throughout the rest of the month.

I'm now, after reading these posts, talking with my husband about removal. If nothing else, I'm so glad I'm not alone in all of this.

I feel better already after reading this...I have been so nervous that i was pregnant. I am now 5 days late on my period, i am breaking out like a teenager, and i am so bloated and tired all the time, My husband is not very happy with me right now because i am a total B to him all the time and i jsut cant help it. I have NO sex drive at all and never once thought this could all be related the my IUD. I took a prenancy test today and it said Negative but i really do feel pregnant. I have an appointment on Friday to get my IUD removed beacuse i want to start trying for another baby in about 6 months. I called the doc today and they are going to re-test me on friday to make sure im not pregnant before the remove the IUD. I am really glad this blog is here....i didnt know what to think until now....i have had the IUD for 1 1/2 years now and never thought i had any problems but if i look back on the last year a lot makes sense now....if im not pregnant i will definetly let you guys know if i feel any better after the removal.

Mirena has ruined my life. I am nineteen years old and had my son 19 months ago, and had mirena inserted 18 months ago. After my son was born I felt so light and then I heard about mirena and it was an easy method for birth control, no worries about taking it every day or gettin a shot, so I went for it right. Well, the day I went in I thought it just be uncomfortable but it was much worse than that,to tell you I almost passed out on the table, it was so painful, they said I'd feel so cramping (Im getting sick just thinkin about it) It wa horrible! and painful! and they took like half an hour. Well after that I was gaining weight like crazy, and you k now I dindt realize this before, but yes I have been very lazy and had no energy! I feel bloated as hell righ now like Im about to havea period but no period ever! And even tho I breastfed my son til he was over a year I gained like 20 pounds I weight more than when I was pregnant. I feel ugly, fat, my self esteem is low low low! and I feel really bad about myself so Im gettin this thing out and im gonna keep exrcising and eating healthy, summer is coming and Im a walrus!O and I have horrible back pain all the time and migraines, acne! and Ive been getting a few stains!This is very sad:(-Dana-

Well the light has finally shown through when the docs tell you that it has nothing to do with your iud...yet all of these women have had horrid symptoms...I've had my mirena for 2 years now since feb 08 and the first six months was just continued bleeding and that regulated in a light period so I was thinking awesome except the first year I couldn't lose the baby weight I worked out and walked all the time but I also ate like a pig I guess that was due to the iud too considering everyone else feels the same way I also have had severe migraines since I got it and severe acne after I had to suffer through that as a teen it cleared up a few years before I got pregnant not completly but now im pizza face I also started getting cervical and pelvic pain for 9 months and I still have a period but now for the past six months my period has been off and I've been having brown bleeding and now I'm four days late which this happens every four to six months confusing me thinking I am pregnant and also when I'm pmsing its now 2 weeks long and I'm extremely moody I'm ready to get this thing out my husband is in the military so I have to work around going to the dovc on his schedule but I can't bear this anymore did I mention I have also had burning while I urinate since I had it in I never associated all of this stuff till I looked it up but still can't goto the doc I'm about to rip it out of me

OMG! I thought I was crazy! I thought 'It can't be the Mirana because the doctor said it has no side effects' Don't get me wrong I love that It's in and i don't have to touch it for 5 years! But it is not worth the WEIGHT GAIN! I'm 25 and I have never been over 110 lbs. I used to eat and eat and never gain weight! Now if i diet I gain weight! I have had it in for only 3 months abd i have gained 8 lbs all in my stomach (just intime for summer!). I am getting it removed next week! Really ladies we need to rally up on mirena's website or something to warn people about these side effects! Talk to your doctor friends, let your doctors know, let your friends know! We have been there and we are the ones who should give people all the information before people spend $400 on something they might not be able to keep.

Wow. I never attributed my problems to mirena since this is my second one. I am 30 but after my 5th child was born in 2003 I had the mirena inserted. I had the weight gain with the first one but after having 5 kids I wasnt to worried about weight gain as long as it wasnt associated with being pregnant again. I had my second one placed in March 2009 a little later than I should have replaced it but money was tight. Well since then I have had nothing but problems. My first was an easy procedure but the second was extremely painful. Since the new one I put on an additional 30 lbs, have started losing my hair, I am lactating, lost my sex drive, and I actually feel pregnant. I found this site b/c I was looking up a false negative for pregnancy tests. I have never in my life felt as bad as I have since the new one was placed. Maybe they changed the chemical makeup of it since my last one. I dont know but I am so happy to hear I am not the only one, and I am not losing my mind. I already told my hubby and we are having it removed asap. I am wondering how long I will have to wait b4 I feel like me again? Does anyone know what birth control may acually work? We got pregnant on the pill and the depo shots. Is there another form that may work better? Thanks to all of you who posted your stories.

Hi! I had my IUD for 5 years and progessively hated it--had all the sympotoms including weight gain (about 10 lbs) and depression and no sex drive.

I got it out in December and I have since returned to normal menstral cycle, my tummy pooch literally disappeared within a week after removal. The weight is slow to come off, but I feel SOOOO much better that I don't even care. But for me the real bonus here is my sex drive has returned to how it was before kids. I feel like a sex goddess and my husband said I wore him out this weekend. That took a few months after removal as I think the hormones take a bit to completely get out of the body.

Anyway, I can't recommend strongly enough to get these stuped IUD's out and try to cope with our body's natural cycle. Granted, mine comes more often than I'd like (especially after not have a period for over 5 years after my 2nd kid) but I don't even care anymore.

Well, this is interesting. I've had mine for 5 years and had it removed today. I only stumbled on this site because after it was removed I started bleeding clots like there was no tomorrow. I was so wrapped up in loving not having periods that I didn't contribute ALL THE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS that I was having to the Mirena. Same story as everyone else. Weight gain despite working out more and eating healthier than I ever have in my life, mood swings, belly pooch...the whole nine yards. Actually, I've had KILLER ovarian cysts every months for the past 6 months or more. Kinda glad to give my body a break and let it go back to it's normal cycle.

Well, this is interesting. I've had mine for 5 years and had it removed today. I only stumbled on this site because after it was removed I started bleeding clots like there was no tomorrow. I was so wrapped up in loving not having periods that I didn't contribute ALL THE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS that I was having to the Mirena. Same story as everyone else. Weight gain despite working out more and eating healthier than I ever have in my life, mood swings, belly pooch...the whole nine yards. Actually, I've had KILLER ovarian cysts every months for the past 6 months or more. Kinda glad to give my body a break and let it go back to it's normal cycle.

Thank you Lord for the internet! I have been feeling like a crazy woman for the past couple of months or so. I got the Mirena IUD in May of 2006 (about 6 weeks after my second son was born). I have absolutely loved it ... until now. In the past couple of months I have developed a pain in my chest -it just feels like I can't get a good deep breath. 3 doctors later and several tests (echocardiagram, EKG, chest x-rays, upper spine x-rays, lots of bloodwork)I'm wondering if it is my IUD. As I read these other comments I realize that the things I've been beating myself up over for the past couple of years may actually not be my problem at all but because of the IUD. In the past 18 months I've done nothing but gain weight which I attributed to a high amount of stress from eventually losing my mom to cancer. I have always had acne but really have it now. I've been losing lots of hair (oh yeah, the docs ruled out thyroid problems too). Have absolutely no motivation and am very tired almost all of the time. Very little libido. Did I mention that I'm edgy? Just overall do not feel like myself at all and have lost any amount of self-esteem I ever had. Currently, I'm having cramping like a period although other than spotting have not had a period for 4 years now. Definitely have been through times when I would have bet I was pregnant especially in the beginning. Now I'm starting to wonder what this IUD has really done to my body over the past 4 years. Yes, the lack of periods is great and I honestly have no idea what form of birth control I will switch to next as I am not able to take anything that I've tried and am afraid now to try anything with hormones as my mother's cancer was supposedly brought on by hormones (which my doc says I shouldn't be afraid of with the Mirena IUD). Thank you to all for your honesty ... need to figure out what to do next but if there's even a chance of feeling better I'm gonna try it!

Wow. I just got Mirena put in on April 22/10. The only thing I've noticed is that my period is just not coming. I did a quick google search trying to figure it out why and was satisfied with what I found until this! :( I really hope I don't experience these symptoms. I've just now gotten back on track health wise after giving birth in 2008 (to a preemie which caused lots of stress and consequent weight gain--on top of all the baby fat). I'm glad I've read this though. At least I know what to expect and what action I need to take if things take a turn for the worse. Thanks for this!

to the person who kept taking test... your body does think its pregnant because it is. mirena dose NOT stop you from GETTING pregnant. It's like a nostop abortion... Doctors wont tell you that! my friend had a fertilized egg implant in the wall of her fallopian tube. the doctor who did her surgery to remove her tube told her the truth! I have one and I;m having it removed ASAP! beacuse of that reason... that and it makes me CRAZY like SERIOUSLY!!!

Hi out there from the UK...I had my Mirena put in February this year for heavy periods (I am 46). It was marvellous for sorting out the bleeding and apart from the obvious spotting and breast tenderness I was happy with it...for a few months. And then 2 months ago I started having some very odd side effects, which thanks to forums like this, are maybe not so odd. I gained 4kg - despite signicant exercise (I cycle up to 100km) most days and healthy eating. I started to feel foggy in the head, very tired and had tingly in my feet and hands (very worrying). As the symptoms developed so did my anxiety which is so out of character. I have been to hell and back worrying about what is wrong with me. A couple of blood tests were unremarkable apart from extremely low Ferritin levels (iron storage). I am now on supplements including magnesium, B vitamins and Iron. My GP was very understanding and said before we go further (i.e. Neuro exams) let's take the Mirena out as it does not agree with some women - as she said, it's the only thing that has changed. I had it removed last week so 9 days on how am I? The tingling has definitely reduced and I have lost 4kg without doing anything different. I have wobbly moments and still feel tired but hoping this will settle down as supplements kick in. I had a horrible period after the mirena was removed and suffered some extreme symptoms which I think can be best described as 'the crash'. But on the mend. I am a pharmacist and know that for many the Mirena is a great option but we are all different and there is no doubt in my mind that I have been very sensitive to the introduction of Progestins into my body. Trust your instincts and if you think the Mirena is causing you problems then you will only know for sure when it has gone. Remember to find an alternative though....take care x

I am so so happy I found this. Site!!!! I am 24 years old and have a 3 year old son. I had the mirena inserted 2 months after my son was born in 2007. When I. Came. Home I was in the worst pain, like labor pain, but I wrote it off. After that it was pretty good, however things have been weird and I couldn't quite put my finger on it until now...my libido has been obsolete for almost 2 years (I attributed it to being a.full time student, mom, and wife) I have the WORST acne on my face, back even my bum :( which I NEVER had before. And oh my goodness the Lorena pouch!!!!!!!! I always look 3 months pregnant but I thought it was due to unhealthy eating, so I changed my diet and its still here! I am Moody for no reason and I hate it!!! I honestly never put two and two together until now......its the MIRENA! ! I liked no period but not if I have to give up everything else! I talked with my hubby and its coming. OUT! I am so greatful I found this site, finally I'm not alone and don't feel crazy! Thank you! Good luck to everyone and please understand your not alone and crazy! god bless :)

I had the IUS inserted about 2 months ago and have already notice a weight increse in my butt and "love handle" area. I have also notice a fast increase and tenderness in my breasts! I'm only 20 yrs old and never had weight problems! I'm only a B cup and dont feel like this should be a side effect for me but its the only thing that makes sence! I'm not going to rush to have it removed b/c its a good method for me (i have tried everything) and it stops my period. On top of that I paid 800 dollars for it b/c my insurance didnt cover it =( guess we will see...

To the person who thinks Merina is a abortion med... thats not entirely true? Its doesnt STOP you from getting pregnant but it does stop you from releasing an egg. If an egg is still released (by chance) and you happen to get pregnant then the linning of your uterus cant support the fertilized egg and drops it out. So its at the most a cluster of cells not a baby. And the friend who had an iptopic pregnancy, thats some bad luck! But it say on the box that optopic pregnancies can occur. Maybe thats what the doctor meant but decided to "dumb it down" or something? Or maybe a tech told her that? Very miscontruded!

I posted a link to this blog on my blog today. My blog post focused on the actual data from Bayer regarding Mirena, but I was glad to have a personal story with other side effects to share with my readers.

As far as the Anonymous reader who posted that the fertilized egg is just a bunch of cells and not a baby -- I'd like to ask her when exactly life begins then? At one point does a cluster of cells become a baby? At the moment of fertilization, all the DNA is present, so what is that? A cluster of cells with everything it needs to become a living, breathing, functioning human being. I call that life. Just because an inserted device makes it impossible for that life to come to fruition does not make it any less valuable.

OMG! IT IS CRAZY HOW SIMILAR OUR STORIES ARE! I went on the mirena about 6 months ago, I had a wedding coming up in 5 months. I gained 15lbs in those 5 months! I couldn't loose the weight for my wedding, I feel like I look like a cow in all my wedding photos:( I just got the mirena taken out last week. I hope I loose the weight, my doctor was against me getting it taken out, insisting that it was not the Mirens causing my symptoms. I really hope she was wrong! I will update soon to let you know if the weight comes off.

I got the mirena taken out about six months ago and I lost weight my skin improved my self esteem, everything has improved. I have new life. mirena always made me feel tired and moody and restless. now im full of energy and busy I fell amazing.

I AM GLAD IT IS OUT. I FEEL TIRED BUT ATLEAST I am not screaming at my kids and depressed ,I lost 10lbs in 3 days and I CAN ACTUALLY SAY I FEEL LIKE CLEANING UP MY HOUSE, THE WORLD JUST LOOKS BRIGHTER, MY MIND FELT FOGGY WITH MIRENA. AS THE SONG SAYS I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, MIRENA IS DECEPTIVE, THANK THE LORD I AM FREE

Thank you ladies, I will tomorrow get an appointment to have my Mirena removed. After every meal I am bloated stomach stretched constantly. I also have experienced more facial hair, a fine down of hair.Has anyone else experience this? I have just come back of holiday of lots of walking and swimming twice a day and gained 7lbs on two meals a day.

I have had my Mirena in only 20 days. I understand that it takes the body a while to adjust, especially since I have not been on any birth control for a couple of years. I have been experiencing SEVERELY swollen and sore breast to the point where it hurts to wear a bra, hurts not to wear a bra,or lye down comfortably . Just hurts them to BE, since insertion. Also bloating, severe mood swings, slight weight gain,(already) pregnant feeling etc... I could have lived with most of it for a LITTLE while longer, but I simply could not stand the continually sore breasts. After researching for HOURS on forums like this one, I came to the conclusion that, most likely, there was no where else to go but down, and I was NOT willing to find out. I've seen a lot of good reviews, but there were way more bad that I could see. Since I've only had it a little less than a month, and I could feel the strings very easily, I gently pulled it out myself. PLEASE do not do the same!!! It could have gone bad. Everything was OK tho, and I am happy. Can't wait till my boobs are not swollen bags of PAIN anymore :) Just wanted to share my experience with you all. I know I could have gave it more of a chance but... it doesn't seem worth it. You can do all the research you want about it before hand, but you never really know how YOUR body will react to it until it's in you. Seems like a LOT of ppl have identical reactions. Good enough reason for ME!

So, it's been out for a couple of days now and already I'm in a better mood, breasts aren't nearly AS sore (it's time for my period anyway so they're gonna be a little sore)and I'm not bloated. I have tried almost every BC out there and have NEVER had all the problems that Mirena had brought me! I REALLY wish there was something out there that didn't make me a complete mess! I guess that's what happens when you want to stop your body from what it's suppose to do! Grrrrrr...

I'm writing this on behalf of my wife; sorry if it seems a little weird having a guy talk about this stuff, but we are trying to figure it all out and we are hoping someone here has had the same problem.

A little over two years ago when we were first ttc, we had a miscarriage after 13 weeks. It made my poor wife and I both terribly depressed, and even though it was sort of against my wishes, she went ahead and got Mirena about 3 weeks later. She didn't have too many of the negative symptoms while she had it; she did gain some weight and weight loss was difficult even though she is a gym fanatic. Sex drive never went down, and her AF totally disappeared, much to her joy. But here come the big however.

We decided it was time to try for a family again at the end of this July and she took the Mirena out on August 1 herself since she was always able to grab the strings; no problems, no bad side effects. We knew we were supposed to wait until she had a good AF before we ttc so that her lining could build back up. There was no bleeding or spotting for a few days, then she started AF that was totally normal, and totally what she remembered from before Mirena, and it lasted 5 days just like it did in the past. So, basically we started an ovulation calendar for her and pretty much BD'ed every day for the rest of the month of August just to be sure.

Come August 21-22, when it would have been 5 days before her missed AF, she took a HPT and it was a BFN. OK, fine, tested too soon. Waited until Augist 28 to take another one, still BFN. Waited 7 more days, no AF, and still BFN. And finally, she took one last night and still BFN. But here is where it gets really strange; she has all the symptoms of being pregnant. She herself didn't even know what the symptoms were and I looked them up but kept them to myself to see what would happen; I know that psychosomatic symptoms are not only possible but very, very likely when you want a baby. First, she told me on August 25 that she felt some cramping and bloating; I thought that was a classic symptom of implantation cramps when the blastocyst implants in the uterine lining. Then, she has a whole other list of symptoms:

I know it sounds too good to be true, but she didn't even have most of these symptoms the first time when she was pregnant, and she isn't aware that she should have them now. Basically, it seems like she should be totally and fully pregnant at this point, but we still keep getting BFNs with HPTs.

Is there anyone out there that has had this sort of thing happen after removal of their Mirena implant? We see a lot of women who talk about their initial symptoms who talk about the fact that they don't know what is going on but they never follow through with what they learned about what happened to them. Did anyone find out if Mirena can cause problems with HPT results? Anyone have problems with AF after Mirena? Could she really still be pregnant this long after AF even though she keeps getting BFNs? Any help would be appreciated!

geoffmosher,I would have your wife go to the Dr. and get an actual blood pregnancy test done. My best friend didn't find out she was PG until she was almost 19 weeks along because the HPT kept coming back negative.

I also wanted to share my story with you, hopefully it gives you hope...I had the Mirena for about a year. Had it put in during 2008 and taking out in 2009. Shortly after having it taken out my husband and I started trying to conceive and we got pregnant. However, I ended up losing the baby to a MC. We waited about 6 months and started trying again. I am now 3 months 1 week pregnant and everything is perfect.

I do believe I had my first MC due to the Mirena because my husband's cousin also had a MC with her pregnancy after having the Mirena taken out. Best of luck and like I said I would just go to the Dr.

I got my mirena inserted in january of 2009. Just recently I have started having problems!!...I had a history of infection prior to mirena but always got them treated. The first year in a half was wonderful, no heavy cramps period, pain...NOthinG until one day my mom asked me if I was pregnant. I completely brushed it off thinking there was no possible way this thing has been so effective. Until 2 days later my boyfreind told me i looked 3 months pregnant... and I DID!! ive always been slim ive never had a belly but now i do its swollen like crazy. My breasts where always big but now there bigger and soar. I started to really panic and bout a pregnancy test only to find that it was negative. I have lower back pain and abdominal sharp stabbs all day long!I started to worry and think that it was ectopic pregnancy. im so happy i found this site.I lost my insurance but ive made an app at my local health center to get it removed. I cant afford for my breasts to keep swelling im in a double d already

Isn't amazing how ignorant-even female-doctors can be about how one body system can affect all the others? I had my IUD placed 2+ years ago and have just started having problems over the past few months....like I'm having severe PMS but only spotting deoxygenated blood. My GP blew me off when I told her it was giving me problems. My CHIROPRACTOR agreed with me and recommended I have it removed.She pretty much rules anyway. Now to find a better method....

I'm so happy I found this site. I just called my Gyn and booked an appointment to get this evil little device removed. I was wondering why I was breaking out all over my back and gained 15 pounds that I couldn't lose no matter how many hours I spent working out. I've also lost my typically ravenous sex drive and even my ability to have satisfying orgasms. Praying praying that getting the Mirena removed will make the difference. Would love to hear back from people about their experience after...do things go back to normal?

I have read every single post put up... and I too have been on the mirena. I got it Dec 08 and had it removed just 3 months ago. I have gained over 40lb. Acne breakouts over and over, Sever mood swings, i went and got put on a depression med to help out, crying, even thought of leaving my family, that i am worth nothing etc. Bloating, larger, sore breast. Increadibly sever headaches nearly everyday, no sex drive left, the worst cramping i have ever experience ever. And so forth... I had it removed and i still continue to have all these symptoms, its not stopped. Its causing problems in my family, with the bond my husband and i have, even my children. We are wanting another child in the future. My question to everyone, anyone! Will our bodys go back to normal? How long does it take? Anyone sucessfully gotten pregnant and delivered a healthy baby after using Mirena and having these symptoms?

I know you are probably all tired of the "wow, you just described me" comments...but here comes another one :( I had my mirena put in after two children in two years (they're a total of 11mos apart)...at first I loved it. No periods and no side effects that I attributed to Mirena. Here comes the downfall...shortly after my mirena insertion, my doctor and I had started discussing gasteric bypass surgery for my severe obesity...met all the requirements...had the surgery lined up...then it all gets cancelled because my insurances refuses to pay for it...why? Because after 12mos of 1200cal dieting...I had GAINED 12lbs.."which indicates that you have not, and will not, follow a restrictive diet post-op" :( heartbroke...figured I just didn't try hard enough (even though deep down I knew I had really tried this time)...oh it gets better. My husband says to me last week...are you pregnant? Seriously :( and my pants aren't fitting...and the reason he asked? I've gotten a LARGE belly increase, my breasts are larger and SORE, and apparent...I've now got some vaginal odor :( Oh, my doctor (who also didn't recognize the connection) put me on depression meds this year...thanks Mirena! I'm getting out ASAP and will NOT be recommending this to ANYONE ever again!

I am so happy i came across this blog. I thought I was going slightly bonkers as i have been experiencing alot of symptons... big belly, slighty weight gain, headaches, back pain, dodgy memory and painful cramps and lots of bleeding. I've phoned my gynae and I'm going on Thursday to have it removed.

Omg!! I am so happy I found your blog... My mind has been going in circles today because everything you have experienced with Mirena, I am going through right now. For the past 2 years I have turned into a very depressed person. I have no energy. Ive lost interest in things I use to love to do.. My mood swings are out of control. My hair has been falling out in clumps. To top it off Ive gained 25lbs. No matter what I do I cant shed a pound. My stomach is always bloated and hard ( I look pregnant) I couldnt figure out what was going on. Then it dawned on me.. I had my mirena inserted Dec 08 (2 years ago). Mirena caused all of this Every side effect im experiencing you have experienced also.. I called my gyn today to see how much it will cost to have it removed. Unfortuantly I dont have health insurance right and they said it will cost me $200 to remove. I would rip it out my self if I could. Hopefully I can get it removed by the end of next month.. I want the old me back.. Not the person Mirena turned me into.

Omg!! I am so happy I found your blog... My mind has been going in circles today because everything you have experienced with Mirena, I am going through right now. For the past 2 years I have turned into a very depressed person. I have no energy. Ive lost interest in things I use to love to do.. My mood swings are out of control. My hair has been falling out in clumps. To top it off Ive gained 25lbs. No matter what I do I cant shed a pound. My stomach is always bloated and hard ( I look pregnant) I couldnt figure out what was going on. Then it dawned on me.. I had my mirena inserted Dec 08 (2 years ago). Mirena caused all of this Every side effect im experiencing you have experienced also.. I called my gyn today to see how much it will cost to have it removed. Unfortuantly I dont have health insurance right and they said it will cost me $200 to remove. I would rip it out my self if I could. Hopefully I can get it removed by the end of next month.. I want the old me back.. Not the person Mirena turned me into.

I can't tell you how thankful I am for this site!!!! I had my Mirena inserted in Sept 2010, after two episodes of hemmorraging, a trip to the E.R., a D&C and hysteroscopy. My OB (male -- and a specialist, no less --)assured me that the Mirena was the way to go, as my only other options were BC pills "they'll make you gain weight and have sore breasts," he said, or the endometrial ablation. I thought, wow, I can have this thing in for five years and not worry about a thing? sign me up!!! The very first thing I noticed was the weight gain --or more specifically, the big tire of fat around my stomach. I've been struggling with anorexia for 22 years, and needing to have a near-flat stomach has always been kind of a obsession. My stomach is the biggest part of my body right now. I don't even know that I've gained any weight, but my stomach is so swollen/bloated/fat that I can't fit into any but two pairs of my looser jeans. I look at least five months pregnant, and have purple stretch marks all over my hips. Had I known the Mirena would cause this, I never would have agreed to it. As an anorexic, my stomach size has always been the main source of my anxiety, so you can imagine how upset, angry and depressed I am. I'm glad I'm not having the heavy bleeding, of course, but I AM still bleeding heavily enough to need tampons every day. I hate this thing!!!!! The only good thing about it is that it seems to have helped even out my mood -- I'm prone to depression and take Zoloft, but I did notice that my disposition seemed a little better after the IUD was inserted. Aside from that, still bleeding, still cramping, and now, very fat though my stomach/waist/hips. I have a follow-up appointment in a few weeks; I plan to have this thing removed, no matter the cost. I know it was $705 for the device and another $140 to put it in, but I'm not putting up with the bleeding, and especially not the weight gain. I'm just upset that my OB was so confident that I wouldn't gain weight or have any problems whatsoever. I don't know what I'll do now, except maybe switch to birth control pills. At least if they make me gain weight or give me other problems, I can simply stop taking them. I am very displeased with the side effects of the Mirena -- especially since I wasn't warned about any of them. I'm glad this site is here, to warn other women of the side effects that our doctors WOULDN'T warn us about!

I had Mirena inserted in Sept 2010, after two episodes of hemmorraging. My OB assured me that the Mirena was the way to go.The very first thing I noticed was the big tire of fat around my stomach. My stomach is the biggest part of my body right now. I don't even know that I've gained any weight, but my stomach is so swollen/bloated/fat that I can't fit into any but two pairs of my looser jeans. I look at least five months pregnant, and have purple stretch marks all over my hips. Had I known the Mirena would cause this, I never would have agreed to it. I'm glad I'm not having the heavy bleeding, but I AM still bleeding heavily enough to need tampons every day. I have a follow-up appointment in a few weeks; I plan to have this thing removed, no matter the cost. It was $705 for the device and another $140 to put it in, but I'm not putting up with the bleeding, and especially not the weight gain. I'm just upset that my OB was so confident that I wouldn't gain weight or have any problems whatsoever. I am very displeased with the side effects of the Mirena -- especially since I wasn't warned about any of them.

I've had Mirena in for about 3 months and have never experienced any REAL problems accept for the initial cramping and light bleeding at first. However, I've never really felt 100% "the same" after getting Mirena and just within the last week I have been experiencing headaches, lightheadedness, nausea, and now am struggling with UTI symptoms that I can't get rid of! Not only is it super uncomfortable almost all the time, I can't even be intimate with my husband whom I JUST MARRIED A WEEK AGO! (Not to mention my sex drive is almost totally gone, which is not normal!)I am not sure that Mirena is the cause of all of these things, but I honestly can't think of anything else that would make me feel this way. I'm only 23, have a 6 month old daughter, and have never had these problems before. I am seriously considering getting Mirena removed... I'm at a loss of what to do.

Get it removed! I had mine removed in December after having it 5 years. I had ALL of the symptons you've read about. It was the best decision to have it out--I just wish I'd had it out 5 year ago.Now almost a year later I have lost the 10 pounds I gained and my sex drive is rockin' again and I feel AWESOME!!! (the pooch went away almost immediately and most of my symptoms went away within a month. It took about 8 months and my weight stayed the same and then seriously it just fell off--I wasn't doing anything differently with exercise or eating-I think my body just finally got back to normal. I'm 36 now.Get these things out--they are horrible.

I can not thank you enough for this story! I have had all the same symptoms for 2 years. It is time to take out the IUD! I had the IUD put in November of 2008 and from the get go it was a painful experience, cramping and sharp pain 3 days after the procedure.Six moths went by and I started to gain weight, depression, no sex drive, and full teenage acne. Went back to the Dr and she said that it is in my head and that the Mirena would not do that and it must be my thyroids….blood work came back negative and everything was perfect. After that she still wouldn’t take it out!I am a runner, workout all the time and for two years I have been slowly gaining weight and breast are so large they are in my way of running….no matter what I do I can not lose the weight and my body acts like it is pregnant. I have even taken multiple pregnancy test to find out they are negative…..all of this is so frustrating. As of this past Friday I was in so much pelvic pain and sick that my Dr. told me over the phone that I need to go to the ER and I need my appendix removed most likely. Well needless to say it is not my appendix and I know it is the IUD giving me the back and pelvic pain. My poor husband and children have had to deal with me being so emotional and just a mess for two years….it is time to take it out. I am making the call in the morning and if they won’t do it…I will find another Dr!Thank you again for this very insightful information and gives the strength to other women to make the right choice!

I honestly feel like I must be on a different Mirena. My experience has been amazing. I was SO scared after reading all the scathing reviews online but no other contraceptive would do so this was my last hope. The insertion I'll have to say was the worse pain ever. Granted I've never had kids so that could be it. I've had light spotting (mainly only when i wipe) but otherwise no weight gain. My boobs HAVE gotten bigger...I was shocked and my libido is insane. I do have cramping but all these others listed are freaking me out b/c I'm not experiencing any of them. And my boyfriend can not feel the coil and I don't understand how some women have it hanging out of them??? Trust me ladies -- not everyone has the same experience. I know several women on it who love it like I do. Also, not to be mean but I wouldn't wait till I gained 30-40 pounds to remove it. If I gained 10 -- Mirena would be out. I know everyone is different so I wanted to share my experience.

I got my Mirena January 2010 6 weeks after having my first baby. I gained a ton of weight while being pregnant, almost 75 pounds:( so if you can imagine how anxious i was to lose my weight my normal is 125-130 i weighed 175 when i had the mirena put in i did not drop a stinkin pound for about 5 months and i was working out hard and eating moderatly and that was very discouraging. While not losing a pound for 5 months i was bleeding enough to have to wear a tampon everyday for 5 months straight.Finally it slowed down, I lost a couple pounds here and there. Since the day I got the mirena whenever I cramp it goes down my left leg and it is very annoying more than painful but it still hurts. I would have my period for 10-14 days :( for almost 10 months and it just recently stopped which i cant complain about. My sex drive flew out the window which sucks. If I had the choice to go back snd redo picking my birthcontrol i would have made a different choice. I hope this helps and good luck

Omg. You guys are scaring me. I had mine fitted last month and I am already feeling the same. I had it fitted due to my heavy periods, hoping it will stop them for a while. I have been spotting since I had it fitted and this is more annoying than taking the pain I was in prior. I rather take the pain now to be honest with you. Also I am usually flat chested. I lift heavy weight and work as a personal trainer. My boobs are massive now and so so tender. I absolutely hate the way they look. My diet is very lean and I like I said do lots of free weights training which should help reduce my chest size. But, they are not moving. I was depressed when I was having heavy and irregular periods, now I am depressed even more. I also want to compete in a figure competition in 6 months time and if my fat and water gain does not drop in the next month or so, Mirena is coming out!

Thank GOD I am not the only one who has experienced this! I'm 21, never pregnant, and had the Mirena fitted in August 2010. I have never been tiny, but I've never been "fat" either. In the last four months I have gotten a GUT. I have always been on the curvy side, with DD breasts and wide hips, but I have NEVER had a belly. One day in the fall I discovered two patches of stretch marks on my stomach. It has depressed me so much. I can't even look at myself. I feel so ugly. I had been losing weight before the Mirena (I wanted to lose about 20-30 lb and now I have to start over...damn!) and it stopped once I put it in. I had been on the pill for a year and a half but wanted to try something more long-term...nope, I am going in tomorrow and having this damn thing taken out. I will take the monthly headache over feeling fat and disgusting. I just hope I can lose this effing belly and look like myself again... :/

I decided to give Mirena a try to help with very heavy periods. I was expecting initial side effects, so was happy to grin and bear it through a couple of months of more very heavy bleeding in the hope that everthing would settle down eventually. After 4/5 months my periods had stopped completely, with my only obvious symptoms being a couple of days a month with PMS type moods swings and slightly sore breasts and stomach - I was thrilled to bits!

Since then however I began to get very anxious and emotional about everyday life, forgetful to the point where it was becoming a major problem in my life, short of breath, racing heart, zero sex drive, night sweats (and therefore hardly any sleep) and a weight gain of 15lb. I put this all down to stress of running our own business, and the need to get fitter and exercise more.

I started trying to eat better and began regular exercise but 6 months on I hadn't lost a single pound and the symptoms continued.

Then this morning it suddenly popped into my head that I should probably go and get my strings checked on my Mirena, as it is almost a year to the day since it was fitted. I phoned my nurse to make the appointment, but just as I finished the call the realisation crept over me that maybe it was the Mirena that was the cause of everything I'd been experiencing! I jumped on the internet and found all of your comments (and many many more besides) and felt like a huge weight had been lifted from me. After a couple of hours surfing the net I was completely convinced that Mirena is to blame, and phoned the nurse straight back to say that I was in fact coming to have it removed.

I have spent the rest of the day in tears both of relief that I might one day be rid of the above symptoms, but also fear of my awful periods returning :( If anyone has found a non-hormonal (the pill doesn't agree with me either) way of easing heavy painful periods that actually helps please let me know!!!!!!!!!

After my second child I was not ready to close the baby factory. Therefore, within a few months of his birth I had the Mirena IUD implanted. Innitially, I had several episodes of where I was going to faint/ my legs go numb/ and I dismissed that with just having my baby...but as time progressed different symptoms occured from weight gain (20lbs) and extreme hormone yo-yos where I would be anxious, my mind would accuse hubby of things, I would go from mood swing to mood swing, cry, and them go off on a tanget. Normally, I was a person that could juggle life, motherhood, work, college easily and over the 3 years my tolerance of those things all but stopped. I was not me...almost lost my hubby, and even today 1 week post op I feel so much better....The Doctors dismissed me feeling the mirena caused all of this but I only experience things like this was when I was on Birth control pills (hormones) I know I am sensitive so if anyone out there knows there body does not has never done well with hormones then do not get the mirena it has hormones- period!

I had first Mirena put in 2002 with my doctor;s suggestions since I had severe migraines,Everything was one at the beginning. then I start to gain weight slowly. I had a back injury and I contributed the recent gain the change in my activity level. After I got better started to exercise and join WW I had no success. Then I had second one on 2007. My weight gain kept continuing. now i have constant UTI s lower abdomen pain, kidney pain. I am allergic to most antibiotics and Lavaquin caused muscle problems and I broke my leg. Since then I am not able to move much but I watch what I eat. Today total weight gain is 50 pounds!!! Next week I ]have an appointment with my ObGyn and I will have her take the IUD out. I never had a round stomach before now I look pregnant.

Thank you!I am 44 and saw my PCP to be fitted for a diaphram. She convinced me that the Mirena was a better choice as it had no side effects. She said that, even though 44, I could become pregnant with the diaphram.I went with the Mirena because I have had very heavy periods and PMS migraines since entering my 40's.ok...2 weeks after insertion the side effects began:

*crying every day*suicidal thoughts*panic attacks*insomnia with the WORST anxiety I have ever felt at night*screaming at my boyfriend over nothing(I never do that!)*hopeless depression*gained 10 pounds in one month*craved sweets (I never crave sweets)*bloated belly, thighs, butt*swollen face*bra size up from a 32 B to a 36 C.*tremors in hands*tingling in arms*vertigo*foggy and forgetful-missing entire conversations from my memory*no sex drive

Had it removed after 2 1/2 months. It has been out 2 weeks. I was very happy for a week and a half, but the last few days I am feeling anxious and sad. I also feel my period coming on so that may be why.No weight/bloating loss yet but my breasts are back to normal.

The Mirena was an awful experience.

My OB said, when I went in for removal, that 20% of women cannot tolerate the Mirena. She believed me in regards to all of my symptoms. She recommended a diaphram saying that it is perfect for a 44 year old. !!!

I just had my Mirena out after having it for 11 months after the birth of my daughter. I too had a problem with pregnancy weight that I could not get rid of, despite working out at the gym regularly and dieting. My biggest problem so far is that I got my IUD out on 1/31/11 and now I am 3 days late- 33 days later (my cycle is 28-30 days normally). I've been having menstrual-like cramping, but no period, no spotting, no nothing! Up until I got pregnant, I have never ever been late or missed one period, my entire life and that includes being on birth control pills for 15 years! Even then, once I stopped taking the pill, I got my period right away. This cramping pain, fatigue, mild nausea and other pregnancy symptoms are horrible. I just want my body back, my cycles back to normal, and to put this terrible experience behind me. I am 35 and still want to have another baby. I pray there is still hope for me. I don't recommend this thing to anyone!

I got my Mirena inserted on Valentine's DAy 2011. What a great day to choose, huh? I'm 30, have endometriosis, have lost both my ovaries and fallopian tubes, and have no children. So the IUD was supposed to prevent pain, no to be used as birth control. (I've also had a LEEP surgery). First, the insertion was excruciating! I was told in the pre-assessment appointment and prior to the procedure that it wouldn't hurt at all. Although afterwards the doctor said he knew that it would be bad for me since I haven't had kids, have had a LEEP, and because my uterus is scarred and tilted. The nurse also said after the procedure that she wants to get an IUD but she chickens out because she sees too many people go through severe pain when they get theirs in. All that information would have been great to know before hand. Also, they didn't use any pain medication. Nothing. No lidocaine gel, no paracervical block, not even some ibuprofen. I've been doing my research and the studies all say to use some sort of anesthetic to control the pain, especially if the patient is at risk for pain. Well, I've had the thing in for 3 weeks now. I haven't stopped bleeding or cramping since the day I got it in. I've also broken out terribly which is great because I have a job interview yesterday. I called the doctor a week ago about the cramps and bleeding and they said that it is normal. Well, they never told me that either. I can't take it anymore. When I go in next week for my four week check up, I'm telling them to take it out. And I'm making me give me something for the pain this time. I'm also making a complaint against the doctor. He lied multiple times about the pain, risks, and side effects of mirena. And that's unethical.

I had my Mirena put in just three weeks ago, but after reading all of your responses I am having it out tomorrow! I trusted my OB, he said his wife favored Mirena over ParaGard because the bleeding was less... Well, I'm still breastfeeding and had no bleeding for 8 months postpartum. But the first few days after insertion I felt like there's something stuck in my throat - like an allergic constriction that made me want to cough it out. Plus, out of nowhere my left ankle is bruised and it's painful to step on my foot. Is it Mirena? I am not willing to wait for the more serious side effects, it obviously affected my body already in the three weeks' time.

I have had my Mirena since 9/2007. At first I loved it never had issues. But for the past 2 years I've had crazy issues, constant itching and swelling in my vagina and I've had every test done that there could be. At first my GYON thought it could be an STD but nothing. Then she thought it could be a bacterial infection so I have been in different types of antibiotics but nothing. So after 3+ years I am ready to get this taken out. The itching & swelling comes and goes and I have done everything. I am hesitant on taking it off because I love the no periods and not worrying of getting pregnant. Has anyone had this issue? I have not seen one person post about this issue!!!

So Ive had the mirena iud for almost a year..i have been reading all this posts and this just makes me want to take it OUT!!!I'm only 19, with a 1 year old but, in my opinion i think it is not right for a woman to miss their period.. i feel like a fat cow, i know i have gained weight, I just don't like to admit that to myself..I really don't know what to do. I have really bad mood swings and I truly feel it all has to do with this IUD.how much does it cost to get this thing taken out..Id rather get on the pill and know that Im going to gain a few pounds instead of being lied to and being told this "thing" has hardly any side effects!!!..

I had the Mirena for 9 years. I have had pregnancy scares, I became a vegetarian and lost no weight, my boobs are gigantic, and I have melasma on my face, a pot belly, mood swings, smelly crotch, depression, and lethargy. All of the symptoms and side effects no one tells you about.

I had bad experiences with pills, so I was advised to never take birth control that contained hormones. This was my number one concern when I initially spoke to my ob/gyn back in February 2002. He assured me that it contained no hormones and it was completely safe and had virtually no side effects, besides the rare ectopic pregnancy. It sounded like birth control made in heaven. Shortly after the procedure, my vagina started to smell like hot garbage baking in the summertime heat on a Bronx sidewalk. I was horridly embarrassed to be intimate with my husband and refused to let him perform certain acts. I went through the first Mirena (5yrs) and decided to go ahead and get another implanted immediately after. Since my second Mirena in 2007, things have stayed the same-terrible. I am tired of being in perpetual first trimester. I have developed night sweats and had my thyroid tested, but everything came back negative. I had acne at 31, backne and neck and chest acne coupled with insane amounts of oil. Sweaty armpits, and the clincher: During a 40-day spiritual Daniel fast (only fruit, veggies, whole wheat and water), my husband lost 45 lbs and I only lost 5lbs. Tomorrow at 1pm I will gain my freedom from Mirena.

I had Mirena for 3 1/2 years. Since I got it, I've had a laundry list of problems I've been dealing with... phantom kicks, headaches every day, dizziness, fatigue, loss of libido, anxiety, depression, weight gain (10 lbs on a 115 frame), mood swings, inability to lose weight even though I was going to the gym and really trying, Urinary Tract Infections (one after another), pelvic infections (2 in 3 months), back pain, breast tenderness and growth, sinus infections, and heart palpitations. Every time I went to the doctor for something, they would check me and treat me for that one thing. I lived 3 1/2 years not knowing that all this was related. I got to my wits end right before I took it out... I had 2 pelvic infections within 3 months. I got to a point where I couldn't stand or sit for too long and every time I went to the restroom it burned like a urinary tract infection. For 3 months I couldn't use the restroom without it burning. After getting tested a number of times for a UTI and every STD you could possibly think of and everything coming back negative, I felt like I had exhausted every possible idea of what it could be and thought I was just going to have to live like that the rest of my life. Then I was looking around on the internet for causes and stumbled upon a site where I read about a bunch of women that have had the same symptoms as me. I had it taken out right away. It's been 2 months since it was taken out. I'm still getting a few of the symptoms but they are a LOT better than they were. I'm still getting headaches a few times a week but I hope they'll subside eventually. I believe it should be banned, if only because so many people have had so many side effects and when they go to the doctor, most doctors don't think it's the Mirena so they treat the symptoms. Then you have all these women who are getting treated for all these things they don't have simply because their birth control is making them feel like they do have something. It just doesn't make logical sense to keep something on the market if it's causing this much trouble.

Moral of my story: I lived through the terrible ordeal of Mirena... you shouldn't have to. If you have it, get it taken out NOW! If you don't have it but are thinking about getting it: research it first and read about all the women who have had a number of side effects vs the few women who have had little or no problems with it.

Has anyone had high blood pressure? i have never had a problem with hbp before or durning pregnancy. I now have heart pains and bp rises and falls really scary :(. Like all of you i am EXTREMELY snappish hard belly and depressed, but my heart issue scares the crap out of me. I enjoy some wine in the evenings and an occasional cigarette so i am not sure if this ads to heart problems using mirena. As i used to smoke a pack a day before mirena and pregnancy and never had this problem. I have a doc apt tom and i am thinking of just removing this as i am so scared and would like to feel like myself again and hope my bp goes down :(

Just wanted to add my own experience. I had mine put in Feb 8th. Took it out May 1st because I am losing hair like crazy, mood swings (yelling more than I have my entire life), having problems losing weight, acne, spotting all the time (since it's been put in). Now I am on day 2 of having it out. My mood is already improved tenfold. I'm bleeding quite a bit but my periods have always been heavy. I'm hoping to start losing more weight too. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. I have 4 kids already and wanted to wait on #5 but I just think we'll use condoms. Those don't mess w/my body as much as this Mirena has. It mostly bothered me because of the hair loss. It was EVERYWHERE. Had to buy DRANO for the shower because I plugged it up every time I'd get out of the shower. Also, I've never been so moody in my life...just screaming at my husband and kids. I feel like I'm already doing better. Just hoping this heavy bleeding goes away and doesn't continue for weeks like I've heard some people have. Thanks for listening & thanks for every response I've read on here. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who is dealing w/this kind of thing.

I'm having these same problems and have decided to get Mirena removed because I have never been this big i used to weigh only 150 and now i'm over 210 after having my first child I figured after exercise and diet i would be fine but i've gained weight pound after pound and I did my research which i should of done before i went along with my dr's advice. i've finally called it quits i thought it would be easier since im only 19 and thought taking a pill is so much but i cant remember things, i dont want to have sex with my boyfriend or even exercise anymore. My back has started to hurt and im getting abnormal pains. I crave things that are so unhealthy. I dont undress infront of my boyfriend anymore or anyone at that. I feel so ugly and so fat now. I think it's time to kick this Mirena and get back on the pill where I LOST weight and didnt gain it. I still cant believe i'm on depressants and anxiety medicine, I USED TO BE SO HAPPY AND OUTGOING! Time to protest and get this monster out of me! Keep posting girls! It definitely helps that im not the only girl experiencing this! :)

Personally, I like the little tummy I have, and I’d rather it stay that way—little. So, I’ve started working out. Evidence is starting to prove the theory that lifting weights and using the aerobic exercise will help you to lose tummy fat around your midsection. A healthy diet is also a good idea. So, I’ve summarized here a list of things you should take into consideration if you’re serious about losing that tummy. If you are experiencing stubborn belly fat that never seems to go away, we have an article about that too

I will be 30 in October, had the Mirena inserted August of '08, had two kids already then, and always had a flat, defined abdominal area. I kept my athletic build with little to no excercise, and had an awesome metabolism...even TROUBLE gaining weight. I am 5'1, and weighed a muscular 123 when I had it inserted. I LOVED the Mirena and thanked the Lord for it as it made my bleeding problems vanish, and reduced my migraines. I slowly gained 20 pounds over the last 3 years and now weighed in at 144. I had to try dieting, which I had never done in my life, and whatever it took to lose weight, and have only lost at most 7 lbs. Two months ago I started having symptoms leading me to believe I was going through an early menopause, or had Hyperthyroidism. I scheduled an appointment to have my TSH levels checked, despite my NP trying to convince me I was depressed or stressed. I assured her I've dealt with stress my whole life, and assured her I am not depressed. I had my blood drawn at my request, and my TSH was at 0.01! Standard range would be from 0.35-4.00. My NP confirmed that I had Hyperthyroidsm, and has asked me to see her A.S.A.P. I was trying to figure out what would cause something so odd, and about after an hour of playing detective Dr., I came to the conclusion that it had to be the IUD. I googled "can the Mirena IUD cause Hyperthyroidsm?" And found this site. Thank God! I made an appointment to have it removed this week. I hope I can get my body back and that the Hyperthyroidsm goes away most importantly. I had hot flashes, night sweats, excessive eye twitching, heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight gain, itchy, rashy skin, break-outs,in grown hairs in my pubic area that haven't healed completely, and I don't shave down there, I use a hair removal system, and I've been more irritable, lost the energy to complete chores, etc....wow, that's a lot. Anyway, just wanted to put my two cents in, I will try and give a post-Mirena update.

i could have sworn i was pregnant with mirena , took pregnancy tests they were negative including the blood test. I wasnt pregnant but my body thought i was. i finally got it removed today.im going to try nuva ring at least i can take that out on my own.

Well, I saw the Endocrinologist who was speeding through the 5-10 minute visit, and she assured me that the Mirena could NOT cause Hyperthyroidism. I let her know that I searched many sites, and thee symptoms were all common and almost exact. She said it was an unreliable source, and I shouldn't pay attention to it. She wants me to get a scan asap, but I said I would have the Mirena removed, I would wait six weeks, then have my TSH tested again. She seemed irritated with me. I had my Mirena removed the following day, very simple and pain-free. Didn't reall bleed, except for like a drop or two. It's been a little over 24 hours, I feel very happy and positive, except for the occasional heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue that comes along with the Hyperthyroidism. I started working out today, I'm hoping my TSH and Thyroid will go back to it's 2.something pre-mirena level. I'll keep posting whenever I get a chance. Oh, and I googled the info for the FDA, I will report the hyperthyroidism that followed after my TSH level crashed since the Mirena was inserted. It's nice that I also printed a graph of my crash. My TSH was tested every year as part of my physicals. So it shows how the numbers decreased since it was put in.

OK, so I'm the Anonymous that posted after that weird exercise- to-lose tummy fat person (like we all haven't tried that), and I updated after Heather with my visit to the Endocrinologist. I had the IUD removed Thursday, today is Monday and since that day, my Mirena belly went down two inches and I went from 136.6 to 131.8! In Four days! Doing NOTHING different! It was the Mirena all along! Here I was thinking I lost my awesome metabolism to age, but it was the darn IUD all along!!! I can't believe the Dr's always denied it! In the end, we are our best Dr! So far so good, I got a few hours of bed rest on Sunday, no problems today. Hopefully the Hyperthyroidism will fade away with the horrible nightmare of the Mirena! Once again, I will try and update whenever I get a chance. Best wishes to all of you out there!

I just wanted to say thank you for creating this site, because without it I would still be thinking that I was imagining things and should simply wait it out for my body to adjust to the new hormones. I had some serious doubts about the Mirena prior to insertion and I should have listened to the warning of my inner bells. The Mirena IUD has been in there for three short weeks only... but they have been the longest, weirdest, most uncomfortable weeks of my life. I have felt like an alien in my own body. I knew something was amiss almost right away but kept telling myself to relax and be patient and let my body get acclimated to the Mirena. Within two days of insertion, from out of nowhere I began sinking into a depression which has become markedly deeper and more pronounced with each passing day. They didn't tell me at the Planned Parenthood clinic where I had it put in that Mirena is not suitable for people who have a predisposition to or family history of depression. Normally I manage mine (which is mild, hereditary and fleeting in nature, and has never been a problem prior to this) just fine with moderate exercise, eating and sleeping well, and basic self-care. I've never taken meds for depression and have never felt the need to, as I said the family history with mild depression has never been an issue before this wretched device was put inside me.

I can feel it inside me, it hurts constantly and causes sharp, shooting pains and cramping like I NEVER felt before, not even during my worst menstrual cycles while on the pill. I have had headaches on a daily basis which range from moderate to severe, and I have felt anxious, moody, confused, dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued, desperately sad for no apparent reason, and numb. I have watched my vitality go from high to seemingly nonexistent in an alarmingly short amount of time. I hardly have any appetite or desire to do anything all. I have been plagued by total inability to concentrate. It was such a mistake to put this thing in and I KNEW it!!! Damn, I should learn to always listen to the advice I try to give myself!!!

We are blessed with the keen insight of woman's intuition and we know when something is up with our bodies... so don't let a doctor or ANYBODY try to tell you it's not the Mirena or it's in your head or that you need medication.

As I am currently without any health insurance, it's going to cost me almost $300 in an up-front cash payment tomorrow to have this nightmare device removed from my body. Even though it's an expense I can't really afford, I'll make the adjustments elsewhere to compensate for it because it will be so worth it. I am going to my real gynecologist to avoid the hassle and delays of the clinics. I am hoping and praying it won't hurt too terribly to have it taken out... but to be perfectly honest, I'll brace myself for whatever. I just need it OUT. I am so looking forward to being rid of this thing, if anybody reading this is having problems with a Mirena IUD, DON'T WAIT for removal!!! Don't let anybody sell you some b.s. story about how you don't know your own body! I'll bet all of these women with horror stories and long-lasting repercussions who stayed on it for a year or more knew RIGHT AWAY that something was wrong, just like I did. I am so grateful to have found this site because it was just the confirmation I needed to make tomorrow's appointment for removal. Thanks again and God Bless!!!

Hello again. I posted my update before Elizbeth's. I just wanted to let her know she's right. It's definitely worth the expense to be rid of it! Removal was easy, I was just a little nervous, because during insertion, it was just like a pap, until the Dr asked me to cough. I got dizzy and almost passed out. So, when I was having it removed, when she asked me to cough, I gave a very light cough. She asked me to give a real cough, and nervously gave a slightly stronger one. She laughed and asked me to really cough to help pull it out. I finally did, and it was over. Less than 5 minutes, even with my delaying the process. Didn't hurt at all. Elizabeth's right about the Drs not asking the questions they should. Especially when it comes to depression. This device shouldn't be recommended to the majority of women. It's sad that we had to find this out the hard way. I have been reading up so much about the Mirena, Hyperthyroidism, etc. Lately, I don't know if all the recommendations are accurate, but I found an interesting study a person conducted. This person realized that Birth control such as the Mirena could cause problems with your Thyroid. He also mentioned the depression thing. He went on about mental disorders, and how these things are often caused by a zinc/copper deficiency. There was just so much useful information. It makes sense how this "very low dosed hormone IUD" can mess with our Thyroid, and minerals. Either way, I bought zinc, copper, and my B vitamins. I started with small amounts to help my energy level, since I still feel the extreme fatigue. I just want to feel like myself again. I am keeping positive though. Every day does honestly get better. I'm very glad the hot flashes, night sweat and heart palpitations are gone. I am spreading the word about Mirena as well. No other woman should have to go through this. It's not fair to us and our families. I also pray for recovery. Amen to what Elizabeth said. God bless.

I too have the Mirena, I got the mirena in after having my second son. I have a high pain tolerance, had both of my boys without any pain medication at all, yet having the mirena put in felt worse than labor pains. I have had it since april of 2009, so 2 years now. For the first year I would have 'bloating' and 'sick to my stomach' feelings out of nowhere off and on. But I kept it because it was working for us which other bc didn't. Over the years I have had reoccuring pregnancy symptoms, I have taken atleast 20 tests in the past 2 years, as late as 4 days ago. All of a sudden in the past 3 weeks I am tired all of the time, I can sleep for 12 hours straight, if I had a babysitter I know I could sleep the whole day away easily. I have had bad cramps for the past 3 weeks even though I stopped my period 2 1/2 weeks ago, I have been craving chocolate like a madwoman which I didn't normally do so severely. I can't focus, my depression has gotten worse and I seem to have mood swings ALL THE TIME! Not to mention a beyond low sex drive and I'm only 24 years old. I haven't experienced weight gain but then again after I had my first son I was smaller than before I got pregnant, and now it seems I can't get that small again even though I am 125lbs. However we aren't having another baby, so it has done it's job, but at what price? I have also read multiple forums which reveals that the actual pregnancy rate while on mirena needs to be studied further. I think it is more than .1%, the forums of thousands of women pregnant and or/miscarried speak for themselves. Sadly I will have to remain on this form of bc until the hubby agrees to his 'snip snip', it's easier for him to do that, than me to remain in hell day after day. :(

I had my Mirena inserted 6-days ago and knew it was a mistake later that afternoon. I should have listened to my intuition before incurring the cost (and pain!). In only 6-days I am breaking out, have zero sensation during sex, my belly has always been flat but a lower "pooch" has appeared, gained 5 pounds without any change in eating/exercise, I'm puffy and bloated, have tingling in my left hand (even went to the chiropractor which was no help), groggy and sleeping much more than usual and feel like ripping my husband's face off everytime he speaks. Lastly, I'm having difficult concentrating. Of all of this, the most frustrating part was the tone of the doctor's office when I called to schedule an appointment to have it removed. Six-days may not seem long enough to the medical community but I know my body better than anyone else and this has not been a good solution for me. Thank you so much for all of your stories - reading this blog helping me make the call and schedule the appointment to have it removed.

I am sooooo glad to have found this site - and sooo relieved its not just happening to me!!! I am ready to have it removed but one thing I wanted to ask anyone was once you have taken the Mirena out what you used for birth control instead?

I am literelly freaking out right now! I am 20 years old with a one year old daughter. i had the mirena iud inserted april 8th of this year. while i was getting it inseterted the doctor insured me it was "the best birth control in the world" but i beg to differ. i was actually reserching because i have yet to get a period and have had no spotting or anything. the doctor said it was ok, that i will most likely wont get one. but i am still concerned, i've only had it for 2 months. i have pain in my abdoman during intercourse and sometimes just suddenly throughout the day like a period cramp. when i talked to the doctor about it she said that the iud was correctly in place and i was having pain because i have a tipped uterus. but i have had no problem before. also i have been gaining weight like crazy! I was a size 5/6 and now i cant fit any of my clothes! i. i got it because it seemed like the best choice for me at the time but now i am really concerned. please help give me advice on what i should do. is my symptoms normal or should i seek aditional help?

I have had Mirena for 3 yrs now and have been unsure about since day 1. I spotted for months at first and my hormones were all over the place. I would have (off and on) sensitivity to my utuerus, sometimes pain during sex and a frequent urination at night. I have recently lost a bunch of weight and now my breasts feel swoolen and sometimes tingly like when i use to nurse. I have taken 2 pregnancy tests with the month and both have been negative. Oh!...and did i mention the acne?

I am 26yrs old and have recently been having many of these sypmtoms. At first it was great I have had it for 2 1/2 years and I just now started having them. I am highly considering having it removed but right now I can't take any chances of getting pregnant.

U just stumbled upon your blog and I'm so happy I did- I hope you pop on and share how things have been in the last 2 years for you post-Mirena. I've had mine for 3 months now since I had a missed miscarriage and it's like the last couple of weeks it's hit me- I've gained weight, I have no sex drive, I'm getting pimples again, I'm EXHAUSTED all the time (even though I'm unemployed) and it's all I can do to force myself out for walks in the neighborhood. I just feel off in general- unfortunately that whole unemployed thing means I have no insurance, which means I can't afford to get it out (I can't afford my rent right now, and a roof IS a priority). I've been reading about a lot of women who take it out themselves...wondering about that and seriously considering it at this point. Somehow I want this thing OUT of me!!

OK, so I'm the anonymous that posted right before and after Elizabeth Kennedy. It will be 5 weeks this Thursday (6/23/11) since my Mirena removal. I had mentioned that I felt great immediately, hut have since been going through what seems like withdrawal. I've read about the Mirena crash, and my body was definitely "crashing". I felt extreme weakness in my arms about 6-7 days after, to where it was difficult to get out of bed. Had such a HEAVY feeling, and my emotions were so sensitive. The Friday (8th day after removal), my blood sugar dropped to 48. AND I AM NOT diabetic!!! Wound up in the ER close to death/coma, where I was re-diagnosed with HYPOthyroidism. The ER Dr was extremely shocked to find out I was HYPERthyroid the week before, and that my TSH levels had shifted so drastically without changing anything in my life/diet, but the Mirena. I went to urgent care the following day due to anxiety, depression and insomnia (when I NEVER have experienced ANY of those problems in my entire 30 years of life!). The next week, I started having random allergic reactions to foods I've eaten my entire (if not everyday of my) life! Talk about confusion in my body! I started preparing for certain death. I kept a daily log, and removed the B vitamins, did not have any more allergic reactions, even though I never had a prob with B vitamins before...well, now, after 4 weeks, I'm happy and thankful to my Lord and savior that I feel healed. I feel like a recovering drug addict. My body had this "drug" released into my body 24/7 for 3 years! I understand it will take time to DETOX!!! I will retest my blood and T levels in a week or two and look forward after so much prayer to updating all you women out there with great news!!!

So about two months ago, my OB/GYN suggested I try the IUD Mirena as treatment for my stage IV Endometriosis. After hearing all the information on it; weighing the pros and cons, asking about potential weight gain, side effects, considering not having to take birth control pills anymore, possibly no more periods, etc. my husband and I decided to give it a try.

After the first week, I was THRILLED!! No cramps, periods, not having to take any more birth control pills everyday and (a great unexpected bonus) I was able to go off all my anti-depression and anti-anxiety medications! It was like I was a new woman - what a gift! The only side effect I felt was swollen breasts and a VERY increased sex drive. Win/win my friends. ;)

By the second week, I noticed that my minor swollen breasts were now extremely enlarged - so much so that I needed to buy a new bra. Up one cup size in one week? Crazy. So I decided to weigh myself as well... up FOUR POUNDS in one week. Ouch.

By the third week, I was up another cup size and my pants were really beginning to get snug. I had also noticed that my right hand was starting to go numb, but I thought perhaps it was from a pinched nerve. Still optimistic, I wanted to drudge through and made it to week four by buying another bra and going back into my pants I had worn right after the birth of my last child.

By the fifth week all hell had broken loose. I went from a 36B to a 40DD, a snug size 12 to a full size 16, my right hand was going numb all the time and, because of the water weight gain, my carpel tunnel was so horrible that I couldn't even feed myself in the morning because I couldn't hold the fork. I had gained a solid 15 lbs in just FIVE WEEKS!! I was lethargic, moody and extremely depressed. Oh and needless to say, the sex drive was GONE.

I went to my follow up with my OB/GYN and (typical man) said to "give it time" and focused on the fact that I had had no period since the Mirena was placed, I was off all my medications and that the weight should "level out".

It has now been seven and a half weeks and I now have the "Mirena pooch". It looks like I am about 4 mos. pregnant. It's uncomfortable, embarassing and depressing. I had NO idea that ALL these side effects were from the Mirena but after doing a bit of research, I have found several websites (including www.lifeaftermirena.com) where women have chronicaled their horrible experiences with Mirena.

I'm sure there are a lot of women who have no side effects with it and it's wonderful for them, but I need to schedule an appointment to have it removed. I am praying that once it's out, I will start to return to normal, but just knowing that my weight loss journey has been pushed back to 25 lbs ago is extremely upsetting.

If anyone else has experienced these side effects with Mirena, please know you are not alone. It's a difficult decision to have to make again, but I believe my quality of life would be better without this IUD and I am very sorry I ever had it put in.

Everyone, Thank you so much for all your posts. I am so glad I found this blog. I've had the mirena for 4 1/2 years and am just realizing it's probably the mirena causing all of my problems. Gradually over the years my symptoms have been getting worse. Now I'm to the point where I'm constantly bloated and constantly in pain. EVERYTHING hurts. I can't sleep with my husband anymore because the pain is too bad. It even hurts to have my daughter sit on my lab. All day I get sharp jabbing pains in my lower abdomen. I've been to the OB and my family doctor, but they didn't have answers for me. I have cysts, but I shouldn't be in this much pain. I'm hoping my pain is from the mirena and my body will heal over time once I have it removed. has anyone else experienced he pain like j have? I feel like I'm alone with this symptom.Thank you,Jessica

Had the mirena removed yesterday. Ive had it in since the birth of my second child in 09. I feel much better. I didnt realize the side effects until just recently... Recurring infections is my biggest complaint. I am not sure if the weight I would like to lose is a part of the side effects but If I do lose weight it will be an added bonus! My sex drive is also shot, so if that improves it will be a win win, as long as I dont get pregnant without trying :)

I have had Mirena for three years. I am 32 and have two children. I immediately gained 40 lbs and at my next appt, asked my ob/gyn about the Mirena and he guaranteed that it was not the IUD. He said to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Two years later, he still promises that it isn't the IUD. I have a personal trainer, was hitting the gym 6 days a week, tried WW two times (had been successful with WW in the past), had my trainer put me on a diet plan, began running and training for a half marathon. All of this, and I couldn't lose any weight. Finally my trainer recommend someone else to help me. She said it's the IUD and told me to have it removed. Since I don't want to go back on the pill, she is giving me supplements (for thyroid) and a gluten free diet to combat the side effects. I have lost 6 lbs in 6 days. She said I won't lose it all still having the IUD, but can at least get to a healthy weight. As soon as come up with an alternative BC, this thing is out!

I am so glad that I found this site as I genuinely feel as though I am losing my mind. The most serious side effect that I've had is severe depression, aggressive behaviour and over emotional. Initially I attributed this to the death of my brother but now I don't think it is because when I think back I had it fitted just before his death and I felt the same as I do now. I have always been able to eat whatever I like without gaining weight and have gained about 7kg since being on the mirena (about 4 years)Now, I am suffering from severe sharp pains in my abdomen and the moodiness seems to be getting worse. I am convinced it is because of the mirena and can't wait to have it removed. I'm taking my moods out on my poor boyfriend and if anything i'm tired of these symptoms and of being a moody bitch.

I got the mirena out about 4 weeks ago, and no period. I am wanting to try for a baby for the first time, and at 32, I feel ancient as is. Now I am terrified that my period (that was irregular before the mirena) has now disappeared entirely. I am worried that my baby dreams will never come true and it is causing me to be really depressed.

My husband to be says its just stress, we have just set up a business and are getting married in 11 weeks, but I feel that it is more than this, and I am feeling so depressed.

On a positive note, I have been trying to loose weight for months, without success, had the doctor test my blood and nothing. Now it looks like all the swelling, etc. around my middle, and the lack of weight loss despite the healthy eating and exercise, could be caused by the mirena. Well at least that is what I am hoping now :-)

I was on Mirena for 3 years. I have had such an awful time with it. At first i had no problems just like she orginially said. And i was so amazed loved not havinga period etc.. then the bad.. I doubled over in pain and nearly blacked out. Evidently i had a cyst that had ruptured. I went to the emergency room and they confirmed it. i was ok a few days later.. never even thought that the iud could be the reason for the issues.. So.. about 4 months later.. it strikes again. terrible pain! and OMG the weight gain so far. about 20lbs. im heavy to begin with so the extra 20 didnt help me out any.

Again never thought to blame the iud. i had tried diet pills real diets etc, never could lose more then a few pounds.

I recently kept having terrible pain that just wouldnt stop. so finially i just gave up. it hurt so bad all the time i was miserable. I called my obgyn and met with him last night. He removed the iud..told me his practice no longer prescribes them and that he understod where i was comming from. and already i feel better...crazy/maybe but i do. i started on the pill this morning. so my hormones are all out fo whack right now but i know itll even out and ill feel MUCH better! looking forward to losing this weight and not hurting anymore. the hurt is over! there IS hope!!!!

I know this post is a few years old, but I just need to get this out somewhere! My experience has been totally different than yours but also bad. When I started the mirena i did NOT at ALL lose my period. Instead, my period was so heavy, I bled through super tampons every couple of hours every TWO WEEKS. But I knew it was supposed to take 3-6 months for my body to adjust, so I decided to wait six months to see how it would pan out because I am VERY serious about not getting pregnant so I decided to stick with it. Well now it has been six months and suddenly I have pregnancy symptoms, and I just started having regular sex again and my partner and I didn't use condoms the past few times. I checked my strings and couldn't feel them. I asked him if he had been feeling them and he said the past few times he didn't feel strings but he was poked by the actual IUD! So I felt farther back and the IUD was crooked and falling down and the strings were god knows where, I'm assuming pushed up or something. So now I have to wait to take a pregnancy test or anything because it's only been a few days, and I'm just hoping that even if sperm got in me the hormones would get rid of it. I'm so terrified. I'm only 19 and I really don't want to be pregnant and I had no idea this thing would get dislodged. Shit.

I almost forgot to mention the EMOTIONAL side of it. Instead of feeling overly emotional on the mirena, I feel totally numb, and severely pessimistic and hopeless at the same time. I feel like I have no grip over my own emotions and and completely uninspired. I feel so hopeless about birth control methods right now, the hormones from the pill were unbearable, the IUD comes out of place when you HAVE SEX (ironic!) and condoms alone aren't trustworthy. I almost am to the point where I don't even want to have sex...I'm SO scared of getting pregnant and it's so easy with no methods that work for me.

Ok wow I am astonished how many other woman have gone through this. The Mirena to me is the devil! My soon to be ex husband and I decided the Mirena would be the best BC for the time being. I gained weight lost my sex drive and am now getting a divorce. I woke up one day and my right side was in horrible pain I was taken to ER and they diagnosed me with an Ovarian Cyst that had erupted horrible pain, was sent home with about a 28 nch waist and woke up the nexy morning in so much pain and was was taken back to ER with a belly measuring 43.5 inches they cathorized me and drained my bladder and said that my bladder empty measured 12 inches across and referred me to a urologist. Most horible thing I have ever gone through they cathorized me again and probed me looked at my bladder and could tell something was definitly there but that it was not my bladder and that my bladder was actually at normal size and regerred me to general surgeon. I left there in soooo much pain I went straight to urgent care cause I just had a feeling I had expressed with each dr that my IUD had something to do with my issues and I demanded it be removed. They removed it no questions or problems. I left there and woke up next day stomach measuring 34 inches and had lost 5 pounds and getting better everyday!Even Dr's cannot explain what happened and said its amazing results!

I had been having health problems for almost 2 of the 3 years that I had Mirena in. I never even thought of Mirena being the cause until a friend told me she was getting hers out after less than a year. I was shocked. So I looked up the side effects and found sites like this one. The 2nd year I went to the doctor for uncontrollable headaches and what I assumed with IBS. This last year, also around my wedding, I started going back to the doctor. My GP had no idea what the mass in my stomach is but wanted to make sure it wasn't a tumor. In the end I had an upper and lower GI scan, a colonoscopy at 22 and a battery of other tests. Plus every new doctor ran a pregnancy test because my lower abdomen was so swollen. In the end, desperate for their to be a cause, I cut out gluten and dairy. I resolved myself as someone who developed food allergies...problem solved. Except after a while of basically cutting out 90% of my regular diet, my symptoms came back. In the end my symptoms were: bloating, gas and abdomen distension, libido shot to hell, feelings of anxiety and depression, trouble concentrating, yeast infections and my skin breaking out. I am so glad to have it out...although its only been a week and the symptoms are still here. Since I got off I've had friends who told e their stories. One friend broke out into a whole body rash a month after insertion and a few years later is still having issues. The other is about to have hers out because of the emotional damage its doing. Crying jags, screaming at her husband over nothing, etc.

I wish I had found this site a week ago. My sister just died because of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. She was so young, and I truly believe her symptoms were so similar to all of yours. Her doctor didn't listen to her and blew her off. I can't give more details, but please, I beg of you all--have it removed if you even have one of the symptoms everyone has described. The physical and emotional side effects are bad enough, but because she didn't ever get her period, she also didn't know she had a tubal pregnancy. And now she's gone.

I cannot even express how happy I am to have found this - thank you to the woman who started this blog! I had my Mirena placed March 2010. Like many others I was always thin and worked out regularly, along with being pescetarian (fish/seafood, no meat) My boyfriend and I try to eat healthy and mostly organic. I maintained this same type of diet and lifestyle, but since having my Mirena placed gained 24 POUNDS! My belly is obviously bigger and I went up 2-3 sizes. I now workout even more (5-6 days per week, including weights/free weights, cardio, spinning, abs, walking or biking to work 1day/wk and Iyengar Yoga once a week) and I've maybe lost 2 lbs. (not to mention an even stricter diet) I am also experiencing many of the symptoms other women mention: I am extremely irritable, increased yeast infections and/or vaginal odor, bloating, and lately I've been very tired. I thought I was going CRAZY, with working out SO much and eating well all while not losing weight (particularly in the belly!) It has been so comforting for me to read other's comments and find similar sites online. I am making an appointment first thing tomorrow to have mine removed. We'll just use another method...all this crap is not worth it! I should've known better to put some foreign object in my body... do what you will with yours, but I'd strongly recommend against getting a Mirena.

SIDE EFFECTS OF MIRENA--NOT WORTH IT!I had my IUD placed shortly over a year ago. I was 24, no children, looking for something "non-hormonal,"..what a joke! The placement of the IUD was the most PAINFUL thing I have ever endured, and I have a VERY high tolerance for pain. The first few months I had normal to heavy bleeding ALL of the time. 4-6 Months in I put on 5-10 lbs and fluctuated quite often (however that's not completely abnormal for me). The freedom was great for my bf (months 4-12). HOWEVER, months 9-12 I started getting severe acne, had minor cystic acne almost the entire time, hair loss the ENTIRE time (loss half my head) and the last 2 months (months 12-13) I haven't felt normal. I have been edgy, major mood swings, lethargic and unmotivated, depressed, memory loss, loss of concentration... TODAY I finally had it removed and it was the best decision I could have done. Can't wait to get my life back together... DO NOT GET THE MIRENA IUD!

I just wanted to say Thank You for posting your story! Your experience seems very similar to mine. I've had Mirena for over 3 years. Within that 3 years I have put on 50 pounds. I have always been very small. I actually weight more now that when I did on delivery day of my second child. I was training very hard 2 years ago, as I was getting ready to go into the military. I was running 3-5 miles a day and ate a very strict diet. I lost maybe 10 pounds and then no matter how hard I tried, I COULD NOT lose the weight. I had a series of blood test performed and everything was normal. I finally researched and found that the Mirena was probably the reason for the weight problems. I now have horrible migraines which have been worsening over the past year. The migraines have become so bad that I take between 4-6 Excedrin a day just to control it. I also lost my sex drive. I never want to have sex with my husband and when we do, I don't enjoy it anymore. I've also become an emotional wreck. This "Devil Device" has turned my life upside down. I am so thankful to have a husband that loves me unconditionally regardless if I am bitchy or I don't feel like having sex. I am happy to announce that I will be having mine removed on Thursday! I can not wait to have my life back!

I just wanted to update after having the Mirena removed. Today will be the 2nd day it has been out. I had it removed early yesterday morning and yesterday was horrific. I went in expecting it to be an easy removal (I've had one removed previously to have a baby). The IUD was in an abnormal position and it had began embedding it's devilish self into my body. My doctor felt she could remove it and it was the worst 10 minutes of my life. The pain was horrific. So bad that I began to cry uncontrollably. The doctor and nurse were whispering and it was freaking me out. My husband didn't go with me because I thought it would be a simple removal and I would just have Paraguard put in place. The doctor finally got the Mirena out and I was still in excruciating pain. She went ahead and put the Paraguard in and I didn't even feel it. I managed to drive myself home and climb in the bed. I had some left over vicodin from a kidney stone so I began taking those to control the pain. I felt like it barely took the edge off. I slept pretty much the rest of the day. Luckily, I have a great husband who cared for the kids while I slept the day away. I woke up this morning and the pain has eased off a lot. I am still sore and very achy in my hips and back but I feel better overall! I also don't feel bloated in my stomach, hips and thighs. I also don't feel constipated like I have felt the past few months. Even after a BM, I'd still feel constipated prior to removal.

I haven't had a migraine since the Mirena was removed. I also haven't began bleeding yet either. I've heard of some women bleeding very heavily afterwards. I've also drank a ton of water since removal. I guess it mentally helps me think I am detoxing my body of all the hormones that were in the Mirena. I really don't know if water will speed up the process of detoxing from the hormones but I like to think so mentally (I've heard it can take a few months for the hormones to be completely out of your body). :) Mirena is honestly the DEVIL DEVICE. It had to give me an unforgettable lasting impression while exiting my body and it was the most horrific experience ever! I've passed about 8 kidney stones and I'd much rather pass one of those than go through the Mirena removal again.

It's only been 2 days and I can already feel the difference. :) Removing the Mirena was the best decision ever, even though it was extremely painful. (It had to come out eventually so regardless I couldn't avoid the painful removal).

Thank you to all you brave ladies posting your experiences here. I too have a Mirena IUD going about 3 years now and have noticed a marked change in weight, the inability to get rid of it and increased breast size. I have always been a small gal and breast size had not changed since I was 25and after having a child. I thought the weight gain was the dreaded onset of moving into my 40's, but I am thinking there is more to this. Within one year, the dress pants and clothes for work no longer fit and had to get new casual wear. Hot yoga, 20 minutes a day on treadmill, ellyptical and daily walking have had little impact. The little pooch I had has grown feeling and looking "full" all the time. There is a complete loss of interest in sex and I can only feel I am loved even more by my husband who has been extra understanding when I give him the look of "... you aren't seriously thinking about it again..." after what could gone on for weeks if didn't down a glass of wine in hopes to snap myself into "the mood". I am hoping to have the IUD removed this fall and am just mentally preparing for the experience because it was not a piece of cake going in. I am pretty pain tolerant, but the threads keep going missing more and more now...I think it's on the move.

I had the Mirena for a year and a half. At first, I loved it. It seemed simple. Then I had horrible migraines, vivid and scary dreams, joint pain, and lower back pain. During the last three months I had Mirena, I gained about 10 lbs. (I'm very fit and active) and my bra size increased THREE CUP SIZES! I grew this stomach that was a perfectly round bump, and I had to pee all the time. My face swelled like "moonface" and my fingers swelled so I could not wear my rings. I have never been pregnant, but I assumed I was. After four negative pregnancy tests, inability to lose weight, and an ever expanding bust, I finally started doing some research. I never would have thought it was the Mirena. I was horrified. I had it removed two days ago. Already the joint pain, back pain, and migraines have subsided. My biggest concern is that some of these side effects will stay with me. I am extremely concerned about the size of my chest. Does anyone have experience about getting your body back to normal after removal? Will I be stuck like this forever?

Wow!! Reading the stories I have just about all the same symptoms. I got mine put in this January I was at 108 now I'm 126. I have never weighed over 110 expect when I was prego 130. My stomach looks like I'm 6 months prego again..a lot of the time! I wanna cry when people ask when I'm due. I'm tired most all the time, seems like I pee at least 20 times a day and I need to run to the bathroom. I get a funny vaginal ordor I always think I have a UTI but its always negative. I have been told I'm sluggish seems like I'm depressed. I have been to doc so much this yr they all say its all I'm my head eat healthier. I have been I have never had to worry bout that. I had my thyroid check that's normal all blood work is normal. Has anyone had hard time with bowel problems. That's my next test Tuesday. My right leg has swollen up from my thigh to my toes..I have had mri after mri, scans for blockage of lymph nodes..all normal. It feels like my muscles are not working it gets tingle feeling,sore, some times hard to stand or walk!! I did have it removed this morning my doc was totally against it! Said this is all in my head and my symptoms are not related to the UTI. After reading your stories it is!! I don't want to go back and see her!! I just would like to know how long for the weight to come off?? I got used to eating so healthy that's not an issue. With my leg I can't be supper active but has anyone had problems with their leg?? They thought it was lymphodema all those scans are normal. I just hope all this acne I never had before goes away!! I have tried everything and nothing works. PLEASE!! If anyone had leg problems lemme know and how long for it to go back to normal or close to normal.

I will continue to update people of my status / recovery. I am only four days post removal, so I don't think that I have much new to report. After two weeks I am hoping to be able to comment on my weight and fatigue.

Well, I said I was going to wait until sometime in the fall to have the IUD removed, but I got it done this afternoon (my pre-removal post was on August 23, 2011 4:26 PM). It came out very easily and I was completely surprised. I had one visible thread and she pulled it through. The PA-C commented that it had not been positioned properly and had been sitting inside just right above the cervix, thus why it kept poking me here and there - AND in a place that would not have prevented pregnancy... In the past 2 years that I had it in, I went up a cup size and gained 12 pounds and despite the excercising, active lifestyle and healthy eating, I kept gaining inches and pounds. Can't tell you what a relief it is now to feel that I have my body back and without artificial hormones. Will post again in a few months and let you know if I have been able to lose the weight.

I've been reading all the posts I've had mirena for almost 1&1/2 years. I love not having a period that part is awesome. However, I haves had this pooch everyone's had probably bc I was already overweight and have been my whole life, but I've put on alot of weight in the last year! I'm scared to check the scale. I've been having terrible headaches to the point where I want to puke butnever do, my breasts are so tender they hurt the thought of being prego was obviously not the case. So I researched bc my breasts hurt so bad. I was told one had to have at least one child before one could even get mirena. Which I have I've empathy for the ladies who had it in not having had at least one. I am going to call and have it removed ASAP.

Post removal, I lost 15 lbs. in the first two weeks. I believe most was water, swelling, etc. I gained a total of 30 lbs. in about two years. The remaining 15 are mine to lose. I am working hard at it, and am steady losing about 1-2 lbs. a week. I do believe your body does go back to normal. It has been one month, and no cycle, though.

Well, it's been just a week. Got my first period (after 2 years of not having one) the day after removal, nothing heavy, just normal. Breasts are also getting back to normal. They had been extra warm and hurt most of the time with nipples extra dark for the past 2 years. Without the extra bloating, I see that most of the pounds I have gained are mine and am working on it, but am looking foward to it. Went to a diaphragm as an interim step while hubby debates on the vasectomy (I don't see the reason for the debate, but apparently someone told me it needed to be "his" idea, LOL!) In any case, I see that I have had my share of feeling like bovine hormone experiment. Was on the pill for about 16 years, then the Mirena for 2. No more hormones... Good luck to all of you and best wishes.

Hi I'm 22 years old and had mirena placed in February of 2011. I had it placed because the clinic I was going to couldn't get my Yaz on a frequent basis. I'm not sexually active so I was willing to give it a try. The insertion was very painful for days, but I got through it. For months it was OK, but then I started having a yellow discharge and constant infections. My doctor told me it was me or a UTI. I kept taking antibiotics, but I already had a high tolerance to them. I also got acne, which I never even had a teenager. Then the weight gain, and cravings. He told me that it was my fault, and I needed to exercise. That didn't help only made me more tired. I also looked like I was pregnant. My mom teased me all the time about it. I'm about to have it taken out, but worry about the bad periods I was having before the mirena.

Thank you! I am sorry for your health troubles but I am so happy to have found your blog. I have had the same experience, I eat very healthy and exercise and CANNOT get my weight lower than 214 pounds which is ridiculous. I had my suspicions about the Mirena playing a part. (I also had half of thyroid removed but that is not the problem according to my doctors.) I talked to many health care professionals about it and they all look at me like I am crazy or lying about my diet and exercise. On my own, I had my Mirena removed last week. I have had a little bleeding but not much. I am hopeful that this helps in my weight loss goal. I too have a lot of unhealthy fat in my stomach area. Thank you for creating this blog. Thank you thank you thank you.

i posted august 28th. I had my mirena removed today, no problems with that other than a small discomfort. The Original OB that had inserted it was no longer working there. I thought she may try to talk me out of it. But the new doctor really didn't seem too interested in it. However, I told her my breasts hurt bad for like two weeks and felt as if my bra was way to small, but i was just fitted by a professional for new bras not even 3 months ago. This doctor told me that the sore breasts were a side effect. Then I wanted to know how much I weighed at the time of insertion as opposed to today. Turns out they didn't weigh me that day. I feel as though i have gained alot of weight not so much in my stomach becaz i was already overweight but in my rear, legs and upper arms. But there was only a 7-10 pound difference. Im not sure if it was in my head but as soon as it was out i felt a relief. I'm actually looking forward to getting my period and maybe getting back to myself. It's time to give my body a break from the hormones, my mood swings were terrible. I was a raving bitch! no joke. If your thinking about getting the mirena don't. The doctor will just say you shouldn't read these posts or blogs before you make a contraceptive decision, thats what i was told. I hope this post helps someone else, thanks ladies!

I had the Mirena placed in Dec 2008 after having my twins. I was 32 when I got pregnant and had been on BC pills off and on since I was 16 yrs old. After talking with my OB/GYN about my BC options, I thought the Mirena was the best for me at the time. I was blessed with a healthy boy and girl. My husband and I decided we didn't want to try for more. Since having the IUD, I have had many of the symptoms described by others, but the rollcoaster ride of mood swings have been the worst. At first, I thought I was just going through postpartum depression and stress of juggling work and family. My husband and I work around each others schedules to care for our children. The mood swings and waves of depression is nothing I've ever experienced in my life. I've always been one to handle stress and juggling several many things at once. I've always been a happy, easy-going, out-going person. Just recently after talking with a friend did the thought cross my mind that the Mirena could be causing my mental breakdowns. The pressures of LIFE; trying to be the best in everything (wife, mother, worker, friend, etc.) does play a part and can be overwhelming at times! It has drove me crazy to one minute be happy and the next be miserable! I know I haven't been myself in the past several years. I have found myself becoming very short, irritable, tense, less patient with my children/husband, having crazy thoughts (hate to admit it but, even suicidial ones at times), anxious, exhausted, less motivated. I took a more stressful position at work over a year and a half ago thinking it was the best thing for me to gain more experience in my career. I also went from working day shift to working nights. Ever since then, I blamed everything on night shift. Don't get me wrong, I do function much better physically and mentally on day shift. The past few years I have constantly felt like I've had to change something to make myself less stressed and able to cope. I had since left the more stressful job and went back to my old position. Unfortunately to do so I had to take a night shift position until another day shift opened up. Luckily, I will be getting that day shift position in 6 weeks. I have been telling myself, things will be better when I get back on a normal schedule. Even then, after reading everyone else's comments, I will be making an appointment to have the Mirena removed and looking at other BC options. I want myself back!

Hello, First off I am so glad I found this Blog.Second...Has anyone experienced lower back , hip pain after some years with their IUD??? I got the IUD 6 years ago. I called my Gyno(last year) and she told me it was OK to leave it in for another year. Looking back I have to experienced ance, weight gain earlier in my IUD experience it wasn't till last year that I started experiencing SEVERE lower right back,Hip and leg. I thought that I just pulled something at the gym, at first! 8 months of chronic pain and about 100 appointments....Chiropractors, osteopath, physical Therapists, family doctors, Neurosurgen, Spine specialist..X-rays, MRIs etc,etcMEdicatons to no explanation or reliefI was supposed to get injections in my spine back in April (which was my last resort)and told them I would never even consider surgery. I started to feel better and cancelled. In May started to flare up again this time I went on Steroids, which did help. Now it is back even worse on the LEFT side now and back on steroids...Which I do not like taking anything and over the years became very holistic. This prompted me to look outside the box and I truly believe all of this is from the IUD!!!!!It never even occurred to me because I never had back pain before!! I JUST WANT TO SCREAM!!!For almost a year now I have been living in pain, Driving everyone around me crazy...Doctors thought I was nuts to be in such severe pain with out any explanation. It has changed my life for a year.. I am very active and go to the gym 5 days a week and anyone that has been going to the gym for 10 years and has that taken away or limited knows that it is VERY depressing. I am a very positive person but there were days of pain and FRUSTRATION where I just thought I cant live another day like this. After reading some of the blogs I now believe there is hope. I just warn people who are considering Mirena IUD to think twice.I have a call into my Gyno and awaiting impatiently to have this EVIL thing out..and if she cannot do it I am headed to the ER.I just hope everything goes back to normal after its removed! If anyone has experienced a similar situation PLEASE I would love to hear.Thanks,Angie

I got Mirena just over a year ago and have HATED it, I thought I would give it a chance for my body to get use to it but I have also lost libito completely, I have always been very tiny, only about 98lbs and since having it I'm about 105lbs but hte weight is carried in my stomach so I feel that I look about 4months pregnant, not to mention MAGOR mood swings, I am thinking of getting mine removed this month, I just can't take it any more, I feel like Dr's keep saying that alot of the side effects aren't caused by it but sooo many stories are the same oh and one of the biggest things I hate about ti is I pretty much spot atleast once a day so it's like I'm on my period every day for the past year

I am sitting here reading this blog and near tears. My life for the past 3 years that I have had Mirena is echoed in most of these posts. I had the Mirena placed in April 2008, after the birth of my first child. Since then, I have had most of the symptoms many of you have mentioned.

TALK. ABOUT. WEIGHT. GAIN. Let me just say that my husband is a CHAMP. He loved me 50 lbs ago before Mirena and he has loved me now when I look like Shrek (well maybe not totally like Shrek, but that is how I feel somedays). I have dieted (Nexslim, WW, extremely low calorie dieting, running 3 miles five days a week, you name it, I've tried it) to no avail. My tummy looks preggers and I find myself VERY self conscious during business meetings (ok, let's be honest, I am self conscious most all the time now).

I have had HORRIBLE acne and I think I could supply oil for the McDonald's fryers if they ever need it. My face is an oil-slick! The acne is deep and extremely painful.

My libido is ZILCH. And I feel so guilty looking like Shrek and not even wanting to get horizontal in any way, shape or form with my hubby.

Also, Vaginal itching and odor have been an off and on issue. My OB thought it was a bacterial infection and put me on meds. But the itching and odor comes and goes. Thought I was going crazy and alot of times have been extremely self conscious for my hubby and I to get intimate because I didn't want him to smell the odor. Then of course, I began to wonder if I had some sort of STD that had been suppressed in my body for years and decided to rear it's head now. Ok, sounds unlikely, but I was GRASPING at what could be causing this! Now it makes sense!

Hair loss? YEP. It's thinning.

Thank goodness I had a thick head of hair to begin with.

I have always been kind of moody, but lately, I could (and do) snap at family and friends.

So all of this has contributed to a low self esteem and really has messed with my mind.

I had already made an appointment earlier this week to get the Mirena removed this Friday before I ran across this site. I just began thinking that possibly the weight gain and acne might be contributed to the Mirena. After reading alot of these posts to my hubby, he asked me if I could go tomorrow. I am so eager to get back to my less Shrek-like self.

My recommendation for anyone considering Mirena: If you want to look like an ogre and wear ogre-sized clothes (weight gain), smell like an ogre (vaginal odor), act like an ogre (mood swings), be bald like an ogre (at least Shrek is bald), and have really HUGE skin issues on your body (acne), THEN MIRENA IS FOR YOU!! If you would like to be a normal functioning female, stay away from it!

(*Disclaimer: This has been my personal experience. Some of the posts supported Mirena. Totally your choice, but my experience has been hellacious and I am ready to take control of my life again.)

I'm thinking about getting my Mirena out as well. I've had it in for almost 3 years. My symptoms have gotten progressively worse:

1. Serious cramping every other day, mostly after working out. It can last for an hour up to 4-5 hours. (never had cramps prior to Mirena insertion)2. Teenage acne. Just gross. Never had acne either until after the Mirena. My face, back and chest always looked attacked!3. Mood swings4. The infamous "Mirena Pouch." I've been fairly slender (5'3, 110lbs) until the Mirena. I gained 15 pounds thus far with an impeccable eating and exercising habits. No matter what I do, the weight will not decrease back to normal.5. Night terrors & night sweats6. Tender breasts, that last for days

Good side: no periods & peace of mind. Is that worth the pain I go through all the time?? And the extra bulge and disgusting acne? No. I'm getting it removed.

I'm interested to hear more from people about experience POST Mirena removal or if there are any other people that have had severe cramping on a regular basis. I told my GN about it, she brushed me off and said that I was merely more "sensitive" than others, that my uterus a big muscle, so of course I'll feel cramping. Please.

I had the mirena put in December 2010. I spotted every day for about 5 months. Now, I no longer spot. However, my breasts have enlarged. One larger than the other. When I was younger, I was a C cup. After 3 kids, down to an A cup. In the past few months, I am back to a B-C. Weight gain of approximately 7 pounds. Has anyone experienced one breast larger than a second.

OMG all I can say is that I am so greatful for this site! I am 25 and have a 3 year old girl , I got the mirena placed in about six months ago immediately after I had a planned abortion as the fetus was not "ok"! The last month I have been freaking out thinking I was pregnant again and took multiple pregnancy tests...the all were NEGATIVE! Thanks to all you strong women I'm getting this thing out of me immediately! I do have some questions if anyone CAN HELP? Is it safe to pull it out yourself? Does anyone know what exactly causes the swollen hard belly that looks like pregnancy? Thank you and I hope you can help...women have enough to deal with, without looking pregnant , feeling moody, getting horrible acne, and feeling "not good enough" I just hope it will get better when its removed but this page gives me so much hope! Here is my email if you can help. With answers crazy4u__11@hotmail.com

Thank you to all the ladies up here I just put up a poste with my Email and am very happy to say that I removed the mirena all by myself...I got into the position like having a baby grabbed the strings a few times till I got a good hold and gave it a slight pull and pushed just a tiny bit like giving labour and out if came it was very simple and didn't hurt at all. But this was my situation, I was lucky it was not embeded or anything ...but honestly it just took a little tug and just felt like a cramp for a minuite, all I can hope for is the side effects to leave ME ALONE I don't want them anymore!!

I have had my Mirena since May of this year. I had SUPER heavy periods and needed to do something to get them to either stop or ease up and this was my OB's answer. I have my tubes tied so it wasn't that I needed it for birth control but more so for bleeding. Anyway, I haven't had all the trouble that everyone else is talking about. I haven't gained any weight. I haven't had the acne problems. Now maybe it is because I haven't had it in that long, but I sure hope I am one of the lucky ones because having periods like I was just was bad enough. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I don't think everyone has all the side effects. I might be one of the few, and I am VERY GREATFUL!

Oh my gosh, I am so glad I read this. I have never been big in the middle but since getting the Mirena I have had these symptoms and never connected them to this medication. I just thought stress was the cause. I also thought I was over exaggerating the symptoms so I mostly kept quiet about them. I've had Mirena for about 6 months and have gained 10 pounds and have had fatigue, nausea, headaches,waves of deppresion,a growing stomach (more like uterus area. It's a small ball and is not normal weight gain). I also have taken 2 pregnancy tests (I no longer have a period so it's hard to judge if I may be pregnant)as the symptoms seem to match. Both of course were negative. I have broken down in tears over the acne that has now become a constant battle on my face. I am currently on 3 different and potentially harmful drugs just to control this acne (as it is cystic and uncontrolled with normal acne medications) that has created havock on my face! I think after reading all these stories I am no longer going to treat symptoms and get this thing out of my body! None of these symptoms were ever talked to me about before putting this in and I wish I would have found this site prior...it could have saved me a lot of money and heart ache over some pretty radical changes in my body.

I am so happy tonight- its the first time in 4 years that I don't think its just me! After having a horrible experience with depo shshots 16 yrs ago and gaining 50 lbs, I swore of hormonal birth control. Time passed and I had two daughters, I lost about 30 lbs and went on with life after depo.

4 years ago I asked my obgyn about getting on something again. I went over my horror story and he assured me that mirena was totally different. He said it was the perfect birth control, no periods, no side effects, no weight gain, no messing with my hormones...

I spotted daily for the first 9 months. I had a little hard spot in my stomach but didn't notice weight gain or sacked out hormones...so I kept it in and forgot about it. In my mind mirena had passed the test and I was side effect free! Or so I thought....

I've had a lot of stress the past couple years, so I blamed the weight I gained on that. My face looks awful, broke out and puffed up like a balloon. Again, I blamed it on myself. My stomach is ridiculous! I went from an 8, to a 12, to a 14 and now I just wear yoga pants because nothing fits. My stomach sticks out so far that my kids tease me about being ready to have a baby. Again, I blamed it on myself- though I was actively dieting and exercises. I've been to the doctor so many times in the past 4 years with horrible cysts, boils, and infections, but thought it had nothing to do with mirena. Then one day on my 5000 trips to pee, I sat down and this horrible odor about knocked me out. I was mortified! That can't be coming from me?! It has come and gone for the past year. I couldn't tell you how much I have spent in rephresh and odor control sprays and stuff. I was so embarrassed to go in public restrooms for fear it would come back right then.

But all this time I thought it must all be me. I must be some freak of nature and nothing was related. But tonight, because my stomach feels like I am ready to give birth and I have absolutely had it- I goggled mirena...

WOW! Im not crazy and I am not a freak- every one of these side effects is from this stupid mirena! I will be getting this out immediately! I am so pissed that I trusted my doctor when he said treat what happened to me on depo was in no way a possible result with mirena.

The side effects trickled in at different times and seemed unrelated. When days turn to weeks to months its not easy to realize what's going on. But hind sight is 20/20 and I got suckered! Avoid the mirena ladies!

I am so glad im not insane! :). Heres my story:I had my daughters 11 months apart 8 and 9 years ago. Before my first pregnancy I was 120 After the first one was born I lost all my weight and then some and I looked amazing. I was prego right away!! Gained 60 lbs in pregnancy and was 180 after giving birth to my second. The doctor recommended I get the IUD since its basically a no brainer and you cannot forget to take it.I went down to 150 before having my IUD put in at my 6 week check up. He said the IUD will not have any side effects whatsoever! (YEAH RIGHT) not only was I a hungry,sleepy,moody jerk but I could not lose the rest of my baby weight. Never in my right mind did it cross that I was fat from the IUD. I have been on every diet known to man! When the first IUD expired I had another put in. I explained to the doctor that in 5 years I was not able to lose the weight I would gain and lose the same 5 lbs. The doctor still insisted my IUD had no side effects as far as weight gain, she even tried to dose me up with meds for depression!! :(. In Feb of this year, I went to a specialist who put me on Weight Watchers. I seriously lost 8 lbs the first two weeks. Gained it back faster than I lost it. I got so fed up that I started doing exactly what the Physicians dont want you to do....started using Google to see what the hell was wrong with me. I read that the IUD is not clinically proven to make you lose weight but it works. I workin a clinic and noticed one of my usually rounder in the cheeks patients was super thin and looking great! I asked her what her secret was and she said "Honey I had my IUD removed were trying to have another baby and the weight is coming off like melted butter". Light bulb went on in my head and I made an appointment to have it removed! The ugly beastly IUD was taken out On Friday the 3th of September. Sounds dumb but I was super excited to see my Monthly "FLOW" return today. It felt like my body needed to release the toxins. My stomach is ugly and has been for 8 years now. All the sudden my husband looks like a cooked TBONE steak to me and I want to tear into him nightly.Sex drive up and im not tired all the time. After confiding in a nurse from Womens Health about my issues, she tells me that GYNO docs love the IUD insertion because they get the biggest pay out from insurances for giving it to patients. Its basically how they stay employeed and they will never tell you that weight gain or the inability to lose weight is a side effect. I feel lighter (may sound dumb), I feel less bloated and today had a good cry for no reason but its probably all the hormones releasing! I will never in my life get an IUD again. I will never in my life not want a period bad enought to go through 30lbs of lard attachment on my body! I will post in a few months my progress with weight loss.

I was just thinking about creating a blog or site regarding the Mirena. I had mine inserted shortly after my daughter was born 9 years ago. I descended into a psychological hell they assured me was post partum. I spent 9 years: depressed, fat, numb, drugged out of my mine for depression, on anxiety pills and worse. The depression (which I had never had before) nearly destroyed my life, my marriage and me. Last year I began to suspect that I didn't relly need the medication. i would go off of it (lexapor) and feel fine for about 6 weeks. Then it would start.. hearing things that weren't there, depression, panic attacks... I researched about the withdrawls and comitted to break free. It was 3 months of hell but I made it thru. I felt fine for nearly a year. Then I discoverd thet my 9 year old Mirena was only good for 5 years. I was told that all the hormones were gone and I needed to replace it immediately.

I had it inserted on a Tuesday and by Thursday, I was insane. I said to my husband "It feels like the post partum". Fatigue, depression, feelings of worthlessness, panic attacks, crying fits, acne, weight gain.... I calle my NP and she said "Its the Mirena, lets get it out!".

Withing 3 days I returned to normal. The most horrifying though for me is that I spent 9 years in an anti-depressant hell begin treated for clinical depression and all the while it was the efing Mirena! I saw 11 different doctors and no body could figure this out? Its incredible.

Mirena is basically Norplant repackaged. Same problems, same side effects, same drawbacks. But who cares... its just women.

And now I swear I am bleeding to death after removal. I want to save other women the experience. Bless YOU for your blog!

WOW! Mirena=Fatty.....I am 40 years old. fit. work out 6 to 7 days a week. My weight has been pretty consistent my whole life. Since Mirena, 9 months ago, I have gained almost 15 lbs. I have gone from a size 4 to an 8 at best. I can't fit into any of my clothes. i am depressed because of the weight gain. I am now the size and weight i was at both of my pregnancies. 120 to 153. How did this happen??? Unbelievable. I asked my doctor before I got the Mirena put in if it would cause weight gain. He assured me no. NOT TRUE!!!!I am working out 10 times harder. Eating better, and have cut my alchohol intake about 90%. Every week I get a little fatter... and my once flat stomach has the largest pooch ever. Looks like i am 5 months pregnant. I am having it taken out next week. I can't wait!

Wow! I wish I had found this blog earlier!! I had the Mirena placed about a year ago. I was supposed to go back to have it checked but was told my doctor was no longer in the office and had moved to a different state! They told me it was too much of a hassle to set me up with a new doctor so I just left it. After reading all these comments about weight gain and a low sex drive, it all makes sense! I have put on a ton of weight in the past year and nothing I do seems to be able to shift it. I lose about a pound or two only to find it has gone right back up again. My breasts are always very tender and my stomach bloated, as though I am pregnant which has led me to the pharmacy quite a few times to get pregnancy tests, all of which came back negative. I used to love my sex life but in the past year I have had no sex drive what so ever! I feel bad for my husband as I know it affects him. The past month or so, sex has also been extremely painful. I have major cramping for about two days after and can barely walk. I did manage to get a new OBGYN and went to see her. She sent me for a sonogram last week and I just got back from my appointment with her where I found out my results. According to the sonogram, the Mirena has snapped in half!!!!! She said she has NEVER heard of this and is completely baffled by it. I have been scheduled for surgery to have it removed and to also see where one part has disappeared to as the strings are still in place but the top of the 'T' has gone somewhere else. I was so excited when I heard about Mirena last year and couldn't wait to have one as it sounded so easy!! I am so glad I have found this blog though and now know that I do not want another one put in once they find this one!

Thank you ladies for sharing your story so much!!! I was so afraid and scared. I was pregnant w my Mirena and realized all the symtons I have been having are MIRENA related. My doctor denied Mirena could be the issue. Even put me on nausea medication!! I am most def going to make an appointment to get this out!! Hugs to you all I know how you feel or have felt!

I have Mirena for almost three years and have not had any weight gain or breast gain like those of you have. But have noticed the back pain and leg pain that some of you mentioned. I am now experiencing some weird breast problems, possibly a growth in my lymph nodes, I am scared that these two are related, but my doctor insists they are not. But after reading all of your stories and seeing some correlations, I think that I will get it removed. The doctors are going to run some tests today to check for any breast cancers. I am seriously scared!

Thank you ladies. I'm so glad to have found this site. I was planning to make an appt. with my gp for a pg test tomorrow but I'm thinking I need to make an appt. with my ob/gyn instead to have my mirena removed. For the last several months I have felt very pregnant but the test keep coming out negative. I even thought maybe it was my sugars. I've gained over 35 lbs over the last 3 years since I got the mirena in. I love not having a period but allt he rest of this stuff is just rediculous. I think it's time for a different tack. Thanks.

I thank god for coming across this site!!!this is my second Mirena...with the first after my 4th baby I thought this was a great bc method I could use...i did started gaining weight but like many others though it was because I wasnt watching what I was eating. After the 5yrs I haf a new one and had it for almost 1yr now, im scheduled to have it removed in one week and cant wait!!! Im 4'10 andnever went over 130lbs but since mirena I have only gained and gained weight now im at almost 160 which make me an obese person due to my height, it upsets me because I work out like crazy I do 2-3 hrs of workout a day and dont lose one single lb...i have been at the dr had lab work done everything comes back good....the only one to blame now is Mirena

OK, it sounds like most of you are having worse side effects than I am but I would love some advice. I have been looking all over the internet trying to find an explanation for the sudden growth of just one of my breasts. Given always been on the small side one is now a whole cup size bigger. I have never had breast fluctuations with periods of the pill (I am 31 and up until two years ago, was on the pill since I was 14). I have had no other symptoms at all, and suddenly, two and a half years into the Mirena, one of my breasts has grown. It is showing no sign of reducing, and is not fluctuating in size. Could it be that this is related to the Mirena? Has anyone ever heard of random breast growth for women in their 30's? Any advice would be useful!

wow this has saved my sanity!!I have been reading non stop to figure out what's going on with my body! After my son was born I worked so hard and lost 90lbs!! That was almost 4 years ago.. nothing has changed.. my diet, my work outs nothing. I got the IUD right after him pretty much and everything was fun up until January of this year. I gained 40lbs, I am so down about myself, I don't want my fiance near me. I am actually super rude to him for no reason. I will sit there and ask myself why am I being like this?? Lately my boobs are SUPER swollen and tender. I can't even sleep comfortably on my stomach anymore. I have wasted so much money on pregnancy test's 'cause that's all that goes through my mind. THANK YOU everyone here.. you're all life savors! I am making an appoitment in the AM to get this thing OUT OF ME!

I am soooo glad I came across this. I have changed into a mean, rude, and emotional person once I got this plastic thing in me. My fiance can feel it during intercourse which ruins the mood. I feel like no one wants to be around me and also I have acquired an odor down there. I have no insurance but I WANT THIS OUT OF ME. I want to be happy again. I have kicked my fiance out twice this month. My relationship has been rocky with him ever since I got the IUD. He has begged me to get it removed. I am going to do exactly that. After reading these posts, I don't feel so alone and am glad that I am not the only one with these issues. I just got to the point where my period has stopped which is extremely scary as i feel like im pregnant and it does not seem right. My breast have gotten huge and tender. I feel like a basket case and have never been so mean! I will be researching clinics to find out how much it costs to get this thing out of me.

IUD Removal at HomeWomen with an IUD may wish to become pregnant and think that they no longer require the IUD contraceptive. However, taking it out without the help of a qualified health care provider is not advised. In fact, it will make matters worse. Do not even think of removing an IUD on your own, as it can cause exceptional damage to your body, such as perforation to the uterus which may lead to internal bleeding. Calling a licensed gynecologist at home is essential to expel IUD safely from the uterus.

THANK YOU!!! I thought I was alone and being a total drama queen but I am right, i've been right all along. I have Mirena in and I HATE it! I tried telling me family, husband and friends that it is not right. I have broken out everywhere, face, legs, chest, everywhere! I feel so unattractive and disgusting. I have gained weight, noticable amounts of weight and my tummy always looks and feels bloated. I have the worst crampsin the world EVERY SINGLE DAY! They last from 2 hours to the entire day and I swear it feels like labor sometimes. The mirena has made me extremely emotional, depressed, moody, irritable and sensitive. Not to mention my boobies are ALWAYS sore and have gotten bigger. I hate Mirena and I can not wait to get it taken out! All of this is not worth it!

Helpful Links

Why I'm Here

Just from doing a little research on the internet, I have found that there are an overwhelming amount of negative experiences from women who currently have the Mirena IUD. What I didn't find was much information on what happened to these women after they got their Mirena IUDs removed. If you are like me, once you confirm that the Mirena is the reason for your symptoms, you want to know that your body/life will return to normal if you get the IUD removed. After my own very negative experience, I have decided to create this blog to track what happens to me AFTER taking the Mirena out. I think the real test will be if the symptoms that have plagued me for a year go away, and I want other women to know that yes, things will be okay after removal.

I am aware that not every woman has a negative experience with the Mirena IUD. These are my personal experiences, and I simply hope that they help anyone else who is having a negative Mirena experience.

Also, any information I post deals with the Mirena IUD. I don't have any information on the Paraguard Copper IUD.